Summerfest 2017 drew huge crowds to Hastings during the annual celebration of the season. Staging the event, with hundreds of people attending craft sales, hundreds more watching the parade, kids running around, more activities, athletic contests for kids and adults, and street detours and closings, could lead to problems.

At Monday’s council meeting. members noted that Summerfest was very successful this year, and they wanted to recognize and thank the city staff for the extra effort in setting up before, helping out during and cleaning up after, the event again this year.

Councilman Bill Cusack singled out Department of Pubic Works crews and Jim James for their hard work, saying driving through town early Monday morning and “was amazed the way things were back in order…also to express my appreciation for the job our local police department did, it’s rewarding. I observed a lot of friendliness going on…its an asset to our community,  the DW and Jim. He’s a very friendly young man and it’s going to pay dividends, I’m sure about that. I just want to thank them.”

City Manager Jeff Mansfield added Chuck Tefft to the list, noting he is with the police as well as the DPW.

Councilman John Resseguie said the DPW crews were so effective, there was not a trace of the event by Monday morning. “Without them, it certainly never would have happened.” Councilwoman Brenda McNabb-Stange saw many positive comments about Summerfest on social media, Facebook and different websites. “People are already looking forward to next year,” she said.

Police Chief Jeff Pratt said the Police Cadets worked at the event, and the Police Reserve Officers “worked an amazing amount of hours from Thursday through Sunday.” The City Ambassadors spent  35 hours welcoming visitors, and there were few problems related to the police department.

“It was great, everybody was having a good time,” he said.