Purgatory Creek Park will be “brewing” up excitement this Saturday as the Eden Prairie Community Foundation hosts its 10th annual Prairie Brewfest from 3 to 6 p.m. The event features craft beer tastings, live music, and family-friendly activities.
“It’s become a tradition here in Eden Prairie, and it’s wonderful to see it reach 10 years,” said Greg Leeper, the foundation’s executive director. Leeper credited Dave Lindahl, the city’s economic development manager who has been active with the foundation, and Mark Weber, former foundation executive director, for starting the event a decade ago.
The festival will showcase about 20 vendors offering a variety of craft beers, wines, and spirits, including Fat Pants Brewing, Flying Dutchman Spirits, Excelsior Brewing, Chanhassen Brewing, Utepils Brewing, and Parley Lake Winery.
A new feature this year is the expanded selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
“We’re offering a discounted non-alcoholic ticket for $20, which includes mocktails, non-alcoholic beers, and sparkling waters,” Leeper added. The festival is designed to be family-friendly, welcoming children and even well-behaved pets.
The food lineup includes returning vendors Granite Rock Pizza and Mi Pueblo and a new addition, Ice Cream Princess, an ice cream truck run out of Victoria. “They offer a great variety of affordable treats, so that’s a fun new addition this year,” Leeper said.
In addition to food and drinks, attendees can enjoy live music from the local band Wondercure, bag-toss games, and door prizes. Leeper emphasized the festival’s community-building aspect.
“It’s a community-building event, but it’s also a fundraiser and a charitable effort, with every dollar supporting the work of the foundation in the community,” Leeper said.
Non-profit organizations which will be spotlighted at this year’s event include Brighter Days Family Grief Center, Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), and Kaleidoscope Teens. The organizations will receive grant funding from the foundation.
Leeper explained that the grant amounts are $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000, so each organization will receive something. “Attendees vote to determine who gets first, second, and third place, and we’re proud to continue that tradition,” he added.
While the grant program has been part of the festival for four years, Leeper noted that the total grant amount has increased from $4,000 to $6,000 this year. “It’s something we plan to continue moving forward,” he said.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door, with unlimited tastings included. “We’ve kept our ticket prices the same despite inflation,” Leeper said. “It’s probably the lowest-priced beer festival people will find, which is a nice feature.”
Leeper also noted that safety remains a priority, with the Eden Prairie police on hand to ensure a safe environment. “We have a track record of people enjoying themselves responsibly,” he said.
He said multiple sponsors make the event possible, with Paravel Apartments once again being the presenting sponsor.
To purchase tickets, visit prairiebrewfest.com.
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