Plenty of fun on tap for Saturday’s Brewfest

The Eden Prairie Community Foundation’s Prairie Brewfest 2022 offers the community a chance to do good while having a good time.

That’s how Greg Leeper, the Foundation’s executive director, describes “one of our great annual community events here in Eden Prairie.”

It takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Purgatory Creek Park, 13001 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie.

Tickets are $35 in advance online and $40 at the door. About $15 of that is tax-deductible.

According to the Foundation’s website, a ticket gives attendees access to 15-20 craft beer brewers, each of which will serve several varieties. Bottled water and samples of wine and spirits will also be served, and free pretzels will be available. 

“This is our eighth annual craft beer festival, with some of Minnesota’s top brewers and local favorites offering samples,” Leeper said. “We will have live music from local favorite Wondercure, bag toss, and door prizes.”

All proceeds raised support the community-building work of the Foundation.

“In fact, participants will get to vote on where a portion of the proceeds will go – four Choice Grants community projects and non-profits will be highlighted at the event,” Leeper said.

As for the sample drinks available, Leeper said a second winery was added to the lineup this year. 

“We know some of our attendees prefer wine over beer, so they will have a wider variety of choices at this year’s event,” he said. “We will also have Eden Prairie’s very own distillery, Flying Dutchman Spirits, participating again. Overall, we’ve tried to stick with what works for this event with such a strong tradition.”

This is Leeper’s first Brewfest as executive director. He took over that role in July from Mark Weber, who retired.

“Obviously, we’re building on the strong foundation (begun by Weber),” he said. “And I’m certainly not doing this alone. Our event chair, Dave Lindahl, has been instrumental in the planning. We’ve also received good support from our event coordinator, Prafulla Vegunta, as well as our incredible Foundation board of directors. It’s been great to see how many people love Brewfest through their feedback, by snapping up tickets, and by promoting the event. We expect a good turnout and a good time!”