Independence Day, 2025 edition is here and there while there are only two main events going on in town, they are big events. Both are organized by the Hastings Golf Club and Public House, a parade and fireworks show on Friday, the Fourth of July. The Hastings Hawks also have a Fourth of July game in Cannon Falls at 2:00 p.m. so you can enjoy a quick road trip, catch some baseball and be back in town for the nighttime festivities.
The parade is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Floats are setup in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parking lot and the parade route officially starts at 15th Street and General Sieben Drive. The parade will travel east along 15th Street from General Sieben to Westview Drive. Once the floats enter the intersection at Westview Drive, they will disperse. Floats will not be turning onto Westview Drive due to safety concerns, so do not set up your camp on Westview Drive.
The start of the parade between General Sieben Drive and Todd Way have historically had the most space for parade goers to watch from, plus, it gives kids the best chance to get candy since the floats have plenty at the start. Remember, for safety reasons, candy is not allowed to be thrown from the floats and kids should not run out to get candy in the middle of the road.
After the Parade, there will be an online vote for the best float. All floats will be photographed and their pictures uploaded to the Facebook page for the Hastings Golf Club & Events. (www.facebook.com/HastingsGolf) with the winner receiving $500 cash.
Once the parade concludes, The Hastings Public House and Hastings Golf Club at 2015 Westview Drive will be the place to be with live music, food, drinks a firetruck light show and of course, the Fireworks sponsored by Vermillion State Bank.
The tables at Hastings Public House are a first-come, first-served situation and are limited to a 1.5-hour stay. Seating outside for fireworks is also limited, so arrive early for the best seats.
Fireworks
The Fireworks are sponsored by Vermillion State Bank and the show is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. at Hastings Golf Club. The beauty of hosting the fireworks at the golf course is it is one of the more elevated locations in Hastings allowing for some excellent viewing from a variety of public spaces. Many of the surrounding neighborhood parks offer a great view for the aerial fireworks. Pioneer Park is one that is often busy with viewers, but the size of the park allows for a lot of people to enjoy the show from there. The show is rain or shine, so be weather aware and pack the right gear to watch, including bug spray!
Also on the Fourth, the Hastings Hawks travel to John Burch Park in Cannon Falls for a 2 p.m. game. The park was recently renovated by the community and is a great spot to catch a baseball game before the parade and fireworks.