HASTINGS, Neb. -- The first annual “Boutiques at The Barn” is underway in Hastings. 

Around 18 different businesses gathered at The Barn to offer their latest in winter clearance sales and new springs styles, including two food trucks. 

Kara Parde owns The Barn and draws thousands to her venue for the popular Barn Festival twice a year. She said many boutiques have wanted to participate but there hasn't been room. 

“So, I thought let’s do an event just for boutiques, and have it inside the warehouse, have it in the winter time, when we need something to do and they need business,” Parde said.

Parde said one of the reasons she has these events is because is important to support local businesses.

“It’s important to support local, so you continue to have local shops, if we don’t support our local shops they won’t be in business," Parde said. "So, this is a way to support several of them at one time in one place.” 

Love Ewe Candle Company owner Jenna Thayer said these events help her business. 

“When you buy local, you’re supporting families in your community so it means a lot," Thayer said. "When you’re buying a shirt when you’re buying a candle then you’re supporting that family." 

Boutiques at The Barn run from Friday through Sunday.

The Barn Festival will be from May 18 through May 21.