The rhythm of Schooner Days beats in Pilar’s heart

When Pilar Sisinni walks through Schooner Days, she draws smiles, waves and warm hellos.

“We’ll be walking through Target, the mall, Schooner Days – everybody and their brother comes over to say hi to her,” said her father, Tony. “She’s like a magnet. All generations, all backgrounds. She just knows everybody.”

Pilar, 21, has been going to Schooner Days since she was just 2 months old. For her, the festival is more than just an annual festival; it’s memories, friendship, rhythm and family. She still closes out the final bingo game of the weekend every Sunday night.

“I graduated from the kiddie rides to the games, and now the bingo tent, which my family has a tradition of playing every year,” she said.

A community tradition

Now in its 61st year, Schooner Days returns Friday through Sunday, May 30 to June 1, at Round Lake Park. Organized by the Eden Prairie Lions Club, it features a carnival midway, games, food and that famous bingo tent.

The Sisinni family has attended Schooner Days for decades. They rarely miss a day of the festival.

“Unless there is a huge downpour,” said Pilar’s mother, Lisa.

“And we’ve gone then, too,” Tony added.

Pilar was born with Down syndrome, but her life in Eden Prairie has never been defined by limits.

She attends the TASSEL program, a school district transition program for young adults with disabilities, and also takes classes at Hennepin Technical College. She serves as manager for the Eden Prairie High School girls basketball team.

“They call me the high-fiver – the hype girl!” Pilar said. “Yeah, I’m always hyped. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the team. I’m proud of who I’ve become because of it.”

At the final regular-season game of her senior year in 2022, Pilar suited up and scored her first points for the team. WCCO aired a segment on her achievement, introduced by Eden Prairie resident Mike Max, a longtime broadcaster and occasional celebrity bingo caller at Schooner Days.

“I know his daughter (Cassie) – we went to school together,” Pilar said. “Mike is a wonderful guy. I love his family. He’s got a great laugh.”

Her luck improves when Max is on the mic for bingo.

“I won two years in a row,” she said.

Her sights are set on winning the bingo coverall someday.

A festival for everyone

Tony laughed when asked what food Pilar looks forward to most each year.

“The cinnamon sugar donuts,” Lisa said.

“My favorite,” Pilar added.

Lisa said Schooner Days works because there’s something for everyone: food, beer, games, the midway – even just walking around and visiting with neighbors.

“Some of the other things we have in the community are a little more selective — like Prairie Brew Fest; there’s nothing for the kids there,” she said. “But this is the one thing where there’s something for everybody: food, beer, the games. It’s a good time to see people you don’t see all the time – and you run into them at Schooner Days.”

But for Pilar, the festival is more than a good time. It’s a feeling of belonging.

“It goes back to what we said – everybody knows her,” Tony said. “You can’t go anywhere without someone recognizing her. And honestly, I think most people would be surprised – given her diagnosis and everything – that she’d be that person. The one everybody knows. But she is.”

As Pilar puts it, the best part is seeing her best friend, Savanna Jones of Eden Prairie, who plays basketball at Seton Hall University in New Jersey – as well as spending time with her boyfriend and family.

“I’ve always gone with my friends and family – and my best friend,” Pilar said. “That’s what I love most about it.”

More to read: Schooner Days returns this weekend with rides, food, bingo and a growing vendor lineup, as the Eden Prairie Lions Club celebrates 61 years of community connection and small-town charm.