Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Saturday, September 23
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Donate
    • Subscribe
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Family»Schooner Days returns, and Lions Club grants aren’t far behind
    Family

    Schooner Days returns, and Lions Club grants aren’t far behind

    Mark WeberBy Mark WeberMay 27, 2021Updated:May 27, 20213 Mins Read
    Schooner Days returns to Eden Prairie June 4-6. (Photo courtesy of Eden Prairie Lions Club)

    The 2020 absence of Schooner Days due to COVID-19 hurt Eden Prairie residents in more ways than one.

    Not only was one of Eden Prairie’s longest-running community gatherings missed, but so were the financial proceeds that the Lions Club, sponsor of the event, normally earmarks for nonprofit grants and student scholarships.

    In a typical year, said past president Gary Watkins, the club might give away $30,000 to $35,000 in grants and scholarships, and as much as $70,000-plus. Last year, because there was no Schooner Days, it was closer to $2,000, he added.

    So, bright students and local nonprofits are joining residents in rejoicing the schedule of Schooner Days activities, June 4-6, and almost all of its traditional elements: bingo tent, carnival rides, and more.

    Recently loosened COVID restrictions convinced Lions to add the Bingo Tent to Schooner Days. (Photo courtesy of Lions Club)

    Still, it was a close call.

    The Lions knew earlier this year that they’d bring back the carnival rides. But it wasn’t until May 6, when Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced a timeline to end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, that the Lions had the confidence to also bring back their 600-person bingo tent.

    “It had its ups and downs,” Watkins said about the club’s recent decision to forge ahead with a fully open Schooner Days. “We’re excited it’s going to be a close-to-normal crowd if not a normal crowd.

    “People have responded enthusiastically,” he added. “I think they’re ready to come out.”

    Holding Schooner Days is no small task. Outside of planning, about 900 volunteer hours are needed, according to Lion Gary Stevens. Most of that comes from club members and their families, but volunteer help is also secured from groups like the Eden Prairie High School football team and pom squad, from Lunds & Byerlys supermarket staff, and many others.

    Activities are scheduled for 4-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, June 4-6, all at Round Lake Park. General parking is allowed at the nearby Eden Prairie Community Center and Eden Prairie High School, and golf carts will help transport people back and forth.

    Alas, softball and pickleball tournaments will not be part of Schooner Days, and the idea of a parade –initially planned for last year – has also been postponed to next year.

    More information about 2021 Schooner Days is available on the Lions Club website.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe

    Comments

    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleRank Choice Voting: A non-partisan reform that offers hope
    Next Article To the west of EP, Highway 212/43 work starts June 1

    More to READ

    7 Mins Read

    Prairie School of Dance studios move to Chanhassen

    September 19, 2023
    7 Mins Read

    An Eden Prairie gardener’s canvas

    September 13, 2023
    10 Mins Read

    Ribbons, bundt cakes and krumkake

    August 27, 2023
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Two EPHS students honored in Discovery Award competition

    September 22, 2023

    Review: Riveting exploration of justice, jails, and the enigmatic Iris Murphy

    September 22, 2023

    LRT funding agreement reached amid concerns

    September 21, 2023

    EP man’s bail set at $1.5 million in second-degree murder case of brother

    September 21, 2023

    Art in the bark

    September 21, 2023
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2023
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.