PeopleFest! Party Sunday at Staring Lake Park

PeopleFest!, the annual celebration of the many cultures represented by Eden Prairie residents, is underway. 

The series of free community events and programs sponsored by the city and school district runs from July 26 through Aug. 9. 

One of the many highlights of the festivities is the PeopleFest! Party, which occurs from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Staring Lake Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail. 

It will be the first time the party will be held in person since the pandemic began. The last party happened in 2019.

“There will be lots of opportunities to experience the many cultures here in Eden Prairie,” said Megan Yerks, the city’s community services coordinator.

Yerks said Sunday’s event will offer performances, exhibit booths, food, as well as what she describes as a “human library.”

“Community volunteers are donating their time to share part of their stories,” said Yerks, explaining the human library concept. “Each of them has chosen a topic or part of their experience that they think is interesting to share.”

PeopleFest! Party attendees can check out these human storytellers for about 15 to 20 minutes.

There will also be all-terrain wheelchairs to try. The wheelchairs are designed for off-road use, allowing people with mobility challenges to get around the park more easily, Yerks said.

Once the party is done, Yerks said there is much to learn and do during PeopleFest! through Aug. 9. All events are free, but some require registration.

A flyer provides a full list of the remaining events. People can also pick up a guidebook at City Center or at PeopleFest! events to design their own tour of local restaurants and historic sites.