Eden Prairie’s Arts in the Park at Purgatory Creek Park on Aug. 17 brought the community together in celebration of art, music and local talent. The day started off rainy, but by the time I arrived at 3 p.m., the sun was shining brightly, creating a perfect atmosphere for the festivities.
A family affair
One of the highlights of the day was seeing the joy on people’s faces. I met three generations of Eden Prairie residents celebrating together: Sarah Scheidegger, Christi Kaehn, and Lorraine Kaehn, who recently marked her 100th birthday on July 31. It was heartwarming to see families of all ages enjoying the event, whether they were there for the art, the music, or just to soak up the community spirit.
Art, crafts and games
The park was filled with booths showcasing a variety of crafts and games, including large Connect Four and cornhole.
My favorite was the booth by Garrett Kopka, a local artist whose vibrant tie-dye creations truly stood out. Garrett’s work is a brilliant explosion of color and creativity, from clothing to home décor. His pieces are not just tie-dye; they’re wearable art that captures the spirit of the day perfectly. If you didn’t get a chance to visit his booth, be sure to check out his work on Facebook.
Food trucks
A selection of food trucks was on hand, each offering something different:
• Deep Roots Concessions. Offering tempting root beer floats, gluten-free and vegan options. I indulged in a rich New York-style cheesecake dipped in Belgian chocolate for $10.99. While it was delicious, it was a bit large and pricey – half the size and cost would have been perfect.
• Fat Pants Brewing Co. Serving up local brews, snacks and THC-infused beverages, adding a unique twist to the day’s refreshments.
• Pizza ala Brasas. Known for its artisanal wood-fired pizzas, they were so popular that they ran out of dough by 3 p.m.
• Taco Way. A go-to spot for delicious tacos and authentic Mexican cuisine.
• A Whale of a Treat! Offering sweet and savory snacks, perfect for families.
Entertainment
The day was packed with performances, but the highlight was the eighth annual “Eden Prairie Sings! Amateur Vocal Competition,” hosted by the Eden Prairie Optimist Club.
The contest showcased talented young singers, ages 13 to 20, vying for a chance to represent Eden Prairie at the 2025 Minnesota Sings State Finals. The younger kids in the audience were especially captivated, adding an extra layer of joy to the event. Music echoed throughout the park, creating a lively atmosphere, and despite many performers being amateurs, some exceptional talents truly impressed the crowd.
In addition to the singing contest, the event featured performances by:
• Caroline Brice and Maren Coudret: providing a mix of soulful melodies and harmonies.
• Sawyer’s Dream: bringing a blend of pop, rock and folk that resonated with the crowd.
• Women’s Drum Center: delivering powerful and rhythmic drum performances that energized the audience.
• Kashimana: performing an eclectic set that showcased her rich voice and vibrant energy.
Final thoughts
Overall, Arts in the Park was a wonderful way to spend the day. The event successfully brought together the community, art and music in a vibrant celebration of what makes Eden Prairie such a special place. I highly recommend attending this event next year, especially if you can catch the singing contest and make a stop at Garrett Kopka’s booth for some amazing tie-dye art.
Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at Rachel.Engstrom@eplocalnews.org.
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