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    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Culture»Rain or shine, the PeopleFest! Party draws hundreds
    Culture

    Rain or shine, the PeopleFest! Party draws hundreds

    Though the party was moved from its original location due to extreme heat, residents came out to enjoy the festival’s kickoff event.
    Rachel HoppeBy Rachel HoppeJuly 30, 20252 Mins Read
    Dancers from the Taraangini School of Dance perform during the PeopleFest! Party at Central Middle School on Sunday. Photo by Steve Silverman

    Despite extreme heat and an approaching storm, the PeopleFest! Party was a resounding success, organizers said.

    James Thomas performs as part of the Kaleidoscope Teens group at the PeopleFest! Party on Sunday at Central Middle School. Photo by Steve Silverman

    Sunday’s event was originally scheduled for Staring Lake Park but was moved to the air-conditioned Central Middle School due to the weekend’s high temperatures.

    Lori Brink, Eden Prairie’s recreation services manager and one of the organizers, said more than 800 people attended the party. 

    “We were so pleased our community still came out to celebrate at our back-up indoor location at Central Middle School,” Brink said in an email to EPLN. “Our performers were especially grateful for the beautiful air-conditioned auditorium!”

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    The event included a variety of musical and dance performances, food vendors, visual arts and community organizations. Each aspect of the event allowed Eden Prairie residents to come together and celebrate their differences. 

    In previous years, PeopleFest! didn’t need to use indoor spaces for inclement weather. But this year’s change showed the event can still succeed when adjustments are needed, said Molly Malone, Eden Prairie Schools’ director of community engagement and the event organizer.

    PeopleFest! events continue through Aug. 4 and include panel discussions about religious holidays and LGBTQ+ communities, concerts, library events and other performances.

    Brink encouraged residents to continue attending events throughout the rest of the festival. 

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    “We hope everyone will continue celebrating with us throughout the week,” she said. 

    Members of the Somali Museum of Minnesota Dance Troupe perform during the PeopleFest! Party on Sunday at Central Middle School. Photo by Steve Silverman
    Members of the Somali Museum of Minnesota Dance Troupe perform during the PeopleFest! Party on Sunday at Central Middle School. Photo by Steve Silverman
    Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case (right) takes a selfie with Dasarath Yata, co‑executive director of SEWA‑AIFW, a nonprofit focused on strengthening family wellness in Minnesota’s South Asian community, during the PeopleFest! Party at Central Middle School. Photo by Steve Silverman

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