ou & atb out

The holidays are right around the corner and, if you are one who considers Halloween part of the holiday season, based on the decorations in many area yards, it is already here. For that matter, if you have stopped at any of the big box stores lately, you have already noticed that there really is no longer any separation Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holidays, secular or religious, that land on the calendar during the next few months. Well, we are not here to worry about that… we are here to help our readers find things to do while out and about, so… here we go.

Upon publication of this edition, you have nine more opportunities to check out the “The Haunting Experience” at Zywiec’s Garden Center at 10900 East Point Douglas Road in Cottage Grove. All nights, the experience starts approximately at 7pm, as any Haunting Experience worth its price is only good after dark. There is ample parking which is well staffed and directed. There is live music on Fridays and Saturdays (the band TOP SHELF was quite entertaining on Saturday, October 15) and in addition to the food (mini doughnuts, cheese curds, brats and more), frights (based on the amount of screams, there were plenty), and fun (based on the amount of laughter and smiles), they also provide a fall harvest festival for those who prefer to NOT be scared. Go to www. hauntingexperience.com for more information.

Thanksgiving. The name of the holiday illustrates exactly what it is all about. Giving THANKS. Being thankful for what we have and as well, a time to give of what we have for others in need. The annual GOBBLEGAIT will be held on Thursday, November 24th starting at 8:30am in beautiful, historic Downtown Hastings. What started as a small race to raise some money for Hastings Family Service has grown to over 2000 runners (and walkers… this is fun for all ages and shapes). The 2K and 8K races combine to be one of the Twin Cities largest Thanksgiving Day runs year in and year out. If you have never been a part of it, DO IT. The event is extremely well-organized and is a total blast. For more information and to register, go to www. gobblegait.com.

Not a Gobblegait type buy still want help others? Well, in case you have not heard, there is a new business in Hastings called Fleet Farm and believe it or not, more than one person has depicted the store as heaven on earth. The phrase has been uttered in not only the hardware and outdoor department, but in the TOYLAND area as well. That’s right, Fleet Farm’s ever-popular TOYLAND can now be found in Hastings. This is a wonderland for those young and young at heart as well. Sure, there are some great specials on some awesome toys which makes mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa all very happy, but it was the couple who had their cart full toys on Saturday, October 15th that will get the ink here. They were getting their Apple Flavored Mini Donuts, and someone asked how many grandkids they had. “We have two,” the gentleman said, “but they are in their 20’s. These are for Toys for Toys,” he added. Now if that does not warm you up like a nice cup of apple cider, nothing will.

You can start your Christmas Holiday (note, this is after Halloween and Thanksgiving) off on Friday, December 2nd at 7:30pm with “Christmas on the Prairie” at the Hastings Arts Center. You will be spending ties with two of the Twin Cities most talked about groups as they join for one very special holiday concert. Mary Jane Alm and Aimee and Boyd Lee combine with the New Shoes band, which features members of the “Guy’s All-Star Shoe Band,” a fixture on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” for over 20 years. Pat Donohue, A Prairie Home Companion Grammy Award-winning guitarist, and songwriter will also be featured. Tickets are available on the Hastings Arts Center website (www.hastingsartscenter. org/upcoming- concerts–events.html) There is a lot of other things to do and see at the Hastings Arts Center and if you time things right, you could even catch yourself a coffee flight at Froth & Cork. Be sure to give yourself a little extra time as the lines are long but the staff keeps things moving. Just another thing to do when you are “Out and About.”