This week, the Eden Prairie Marching Band will host a garage sale to support band programs in the school district.
The Gigantic Garage Sale 2025 will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 11, and Saturday, July 12, at Central Middle School, 8025 School Road.
Donations will be accepted at the school’s cafeteria on the east (bus drop-off) side from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, and Thursday, July 10. On Saturday, everything will be 50% off from 1 to 3 p.m.
The sale has been an annual event, but parents of Eden Prairie band students have been working to draw more attention and make it more exciting. This year, a food truck will sell empanadas as shoppers browse the many items for sale.
As fun as it is, it’s no surprise how important this event is to the band community. “A lot of money goes to our general fund, and with what we are doing,” said Jared Miles, president of the Eden Prairie Band Parent Organization (BPO). “We fund a lot of the trips, equipment … and to pay for the overall band needs.”
The money helps the marching band with instruments, uniforms and props for their show. It also supports access to programs like this for all students.
“It also helps with scholarships,” Miles said. “(People) are able to reach out, and we were able to meet their needs.”
Brian Emswiler, who is in charge of the garage sale, expanded on this point. “It’s easy to support a growing organization,” he said. “… I want them to make a lot of money and be able to do the things they will be able to do. … There are some kids that can’t afford going somewhere or being somewhere. … This garage sale will make sure those kids will be a part of those events.”
While the event is being organized by BPO, the funds don’t just go to color guard or marching band. As Emswiler put it, the sale “supports all Eden Prairie bands, including the middle school and elementary school. You got color guard, band, orchestra – everything. This is why it’s such a big deal. It isn’t just marching band; it’s everything.”
The band program also serves a greater purpose beyond music or performance for students in Eden Prairie. Miles shared his personal experience.
“When my son came in as a freshman, you don’t know anything, and you don’t know any people,” he said. “You’re starting off in the unknown. … When he started band in the summertime, he got instant friends he’s been able to talk with.”
The band program aims to build connections with all students, whether they have experience or not.
“It’s not just hornline, but there’s a lot of different kinds of variety. There’s hornline, drumline, frontline, and color guard,” Miles said. “There’s so many positions and a place for everybody. … It’s a lot of practice, but they work through it.”
Miles concluded by explaining how others can support the marching band. “It can be as simple as going to football games or going to Prairie Colors,” he said. “All the shows throughout the year are free. Support the kids.”
The Prairie Colors Marching Band Festival is the next event of the season. It takes place Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aerie Stadium at Eden Prairie High School. The festival will feature 12 marching band and color guard performances, including the Eden Prairie Marching Band’s sailing-themed show.
For more information on Eden Prairie Bands, visit ephsbands.org.
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.