Music, food, and fireworks delight at rescheduled celebration

Remember the Fourth of July celebration that Mother Nature delayed? Dubbed by the city as the “Best. Make-up Party. Ever!,” the rescheduled event on Thursday, Aug. 22, at Round Lake Park offered an evening filled with music, food, and fireworks.

The evening kicked off with a lively performance by the Free & Easy Band, setting a festive mood for everyone.

As the sun set, Round Lake provided a stunning backdrop, perfectly complementing the sounds and excitement in the air. It was truly a family-centered event, with children seemingly enjoying everything the most. Their smiles were contagious as they ran around, laughing and playing. When the fireworks lit up the sky, the crowd, especially the children, responded with delighted “oohs” and “ahs” at every burst of color.

However, there was a moment of unexpected excitement when some fireworks went off course. While one or more fireworks were accidentally shot into the crowd gathered on the west side of the lake, Eden Prairie officials have assured everyone that no one was hurt, and the city is taking steps to prevent this from happening again.

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A favorite photo spot returned: the larger-than-life “I (heart) EP” sign. Families and friends lined up to capture memories with this iconic symbol, proudly showcasing their love for Eden Prairie. An unexpected attraction was a plane flying overhead with a banner that read “Vote Wendi Russo for State Representative,” catching everyone’s attention and adding a touch of local politics to the evening.

Food trucks and vendors

The event featured a variety of food trucks and vendors, each offering unique and delicious options:

• Deep Roots Concessions: A returning favorite, they served root beer floats along with gluten-free and vegan options, pleasing those with dietary restrictions and anyone craving a sweet, nostalgic treat.
• Dough Gold: A hit with cookie lovers, this truck offered freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and edible cookie dough, perfect for those craving a comforting dessert.
• Drew’s Concessions: I couldn’t resist their hot, fluffy mini donuts, which were a warm and sugary delight. They were a popular choice among attendees looking for a quick, sweet fix.
• Eden Prairie Lions Club: Always reliable at community events, the Lions Club served up a variety of classic concessions, including beer, water, and wine – perfect for those looking to unwind.
• Maui Wowi: They brought a taste of the tropics with refreshing smoothies and other island-inspired treats, adding a fun, vacation-like vibe to the evening.
• Pizza a las Brasas: Their wood-fired pizzas were delicious, featuring crispy crusts and rich toppings. However, the 45-minute wait was a bit long. A heads-up about the wait time would have been appreciated, especially for families with young children.
• Pretty Great Cheesecake: This truck drew attention with unique cheesecake flavors like S’more and Mini Donut. These unconventional options offered a fun twist on a classic dessert, and many attendees enjoyed trying something different.
• Taco Way: Serving up a variety of tacos that were both tasty and satisfying, Taco Way provided a savory option for those in the mood for something more substantial.
• A Whale of a Treat: An ice cream truck offering the perfect quick treat to cool down on a warm evening, with classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate alongside more creative ones like cotton candy and caramel swirl.

Final thoughts

Overall, this second-chance celebration at Round Lake Park was a wonderful way to close out the summer season. Between the delicious food, great music, and spectacular fireworks (despite a hiccup), it was a perfect evening for families and friends to gather, celebrate, and enjoy everything the community has to offer.

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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