Temperatures close to 100 didn’t stop the fun on Saturday, June 21, at Eden Prairie’s Party for Pride at Staring Lake Park. The crowd was treated to a variety of events, food and friendly conversation with local vendors, politicians and service providers.
Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case and state Rep. Alex Falconer (DFL-49A, Eden Prairie) gave short speeches.
On the main stage of the Staring Lake Amphitheatre, Amy Epperson and Alisa Hoang led a small group in a lively Zumba class. Mike Cunniff of Kids Dance kept the energy high with a steady flow of music and a strong beat to inspire the action.
For children who preferred soap to sweat, a foam pit lured them into imaginative play with an endless stream of bubbles. Foamy Santa beards, elf hats and hulking body costumes were just a few of the soapy creations that covered their faces and bodies, accompanied by a chorus of happy shrieks and laughter.
Dog owners had the opportunity to promenade their pets in the puppy parade. Case led the group through a tree-shaded area. Leashes stayed untangled as the dogs appeared to join in the spirit of the march.
Tents and tables with information about services supporting the LGBTQ+ community were scattered throughout the area. St. Andrew Lutheran and Eden Prairie United Methodist churches had tables set up side by side. The two churches are working together to help bring a PFLAG chapter to Eden Prairie, as the nearest one now is in New Prague.
PFLAG provides education, advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ allies, families and friends. Once the new local group becomes affiliated, it will meet at Eden Prairie United Methodist Church.
Another welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community is the Hennepin County Library at 565 Prairie Center Drive in Eden Prairie. Sophia Beno shared information about the library’s Homework Help program.
“We help students of all ages, from preschool to seniors in high school,” she said. “So it’s everything from helping them with their ABCs to chemistry.
“Our goal is to provide homework help, not solutions. We keep them focused. We don’t give the answers.”
Beno said the service is available every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On any given night, there might be 10 volunteers helping up to 30 children. “This is not a child-care service,” she said. “The children have to have homework.”
The Party for Pride also highlighted other Eden Prairie community resources that welcome everyone, including the Eden Prairie Community Center.
PiM Arts High School, a public charter school for grades 9-12 in Eden Prairie, hosted a tent at the event. The tuition-free school focuses on the performing arts.
“We’ve been around for 21 years,” said Rob Thompson, director of communications and development at PiM Arts High School. “We have regular courses, like math and science, but our electives are in the visual and performing arts.”
In 2025, the school offers 214 visual, media and hybrid options for majors.
Thompson noted that graduates have gone on to several well-known performing arts colleges and universities, including New York University, Pratt Institute, Emerson College, the University of Michigan and Penn State.
Vendors focused on improving the health and safety of the LGBTQ+ community were also present. HealthSource, a local chiropractic clinic, participated in the event.
“We want to be a pillar of the Eden Prairie community,” said Claire Draper, clinic director.
Outside Safe Space featured hats, stickers and other products for outdoor enthusiasts.
“I ran across the state of Minnesota, followed by a Winnebago the company lent me,” said Outside Safe Space creator Mikah Meyer. “Our products indicate safety to the LGBTQIA community. If you see someone wearing one of our hats or T-shirts, or displaying one of our stickers, you know they’re an ally.”
Meyer said all REI stores will soon carry Outside Safe Space products. Items can also be purchased online at outsidesafespace.com.
A documentary about Meyer’s journey across Minnesota is available on the site.
“I’m also happy to say that after my travels across the state, Winnebago decided to move to Eden Prairie,” he said with a smile.
Other vendors at the event included the Parkinson’s Foundation, Pet Evolution, Eden Prairie Local News and All Energy Solar.
Several food vendors were also onsite. Tropical SnoMN served flavored shaved ice, while the Eden Prairie Mobile Café kept its ovens off and offered drinks and snacks from a table in front of the truck.
Deep Roots, visiting from the Iron Range, served porketta sandwiches, Polish sausage and Wild Rice Veggie Joe.
Cottage Delights gave away samples of cakes and cookies – which didn’t last long.
The lead organizer of this year’s Party for Pride was Megan Munoz, fitness center supervisor at the Eden Prairie Community Center.
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