It was a night when 163 neighborhoods across Eden Prairie turned into little hubs of laughter and camaraderie.
The annual Night to Unite, held this year on Tuesday, Aug. 6, brought residents out of their homes and onto their streets, but it wasn’t just the block parties that made the night special.
The city had a mission: gather food for PROP (People Reaching Out to People). And boy, did they deliver. Nearly 9,000 pounds of food poured in, proving once again that this community has a heart as big as its population.
The Fairway Drive neighborhood stood out, not just for their party, but for their hefty donation of almost 400 pounds of food. Their reward? An ice cream social with the Eden Prairie Police and Fire departments – a sweet ending to a generous effort.
This event saw participation from various generations, highlighting the strong community ties. The Andersons, who have lived on Leesborough Road for half a century, enjoyed the evening alongside John Soater and his newborn daughter, Samara James Soater, who has been a resident of the same street for just a few days.
City officials made their rounds, shaking hands, sharing snacks, and soaking in the spirit of the evening. The gratitude was palpable, and the promise for next year’s Night to Unite was already in the air.
Lorenzo Ocampo, 5, creates a giant bubble during the Eden Drive Night to Unite party on Tuesday. Photo by Stuart Sudak 
Levi Benson, 11, and his sister, Lina, 9, put the finishing touches on their chalk art, which reads, “We have 1 rule; have Fun!” during the Eden Drive Night to Unite. Photo by Stuart Sudak 
Brecken Schierloh, 5, shows off his bubble machine at the Eden Drive Night to Unite event. Photo by Stuart Sudak 
A cluster of bubbles floats during the Eden Drive Night to Unite. Photo by Stuart Sudak 
Getting the treats ready for the Eden Drive Night to Unite. Photo by Stuart Sudak 
Eden Drive neighbors collected donations for PROP. Photo by Stuart Sudak 
The Whispering Oaks Night to Unite, hosted by Dave and Colleen Schultz, drew lots of neighbors to their house. Photo by Stuart Sudak 
Lisa Kraft signing up to take part in the cornhole tournament at the Whispering Oaks Drive event. Photo by Stuart Sudak 
Eden Prairie Night to Unite began at 6:30 p.m. on Cardinal Creek Road. From left, host Greg Lee, Randy Nass, Devin Doyle, Madeline Doyle, and Kristen Doyle. Photo by Jeff Strate 
Sue Ann Court neighbors gathered around 7 p.m. The cheery cul-de-sac is nestled in north-central Eden Prairie. Photo by Jeff Strate 
Chalk drawings, pets, and conversation highlighted the evening on Sue Ann Court. Photo by Jeff Strate 
Sophia Minikon and her dad, Patrick Minikon, share a smile at the Sue Ann Court Night to Unite. Photo by Jeff Strate 
Emily and Rick Johnson and their best pal. The trio live on Leesborough Road. Photo by Jeff Strate 
Mike and Jenny Kasbohm have lived on Cardinal Creek Road since 1999. Their neighborhood, west of Baker Road, arcs through Cardinal Creek Conservation Area. Photo by Jeff Strate 
Neighbors enjoyed food and games at the Autumn Woods Night to Unite. From left, Mike Indergaard, Rhett Indergaard, Sarah Indergaard, Susan Joehl, Becket Joehl, Reese Joehl, and Caden Christensen. Photo by Lea Jacobson 
From left, Mary Jo Maloney, Karen Miller, Jane Benik, and Deb Francis enjoyed the Autumn Woods Night to Unite along with dogs Scout, Lucy, and Willa. Photo by Lea Jacobson
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