It began out of love of benefaction. Over six decades ago, the Eden Prairie Lions took action. To raise money for worthy causes, especially those helping diabetics and the hearing and visually impaired, they came up with a great new idea: a fair.
Today, Schooner Days is our town’s biggest attraction. Why did it gain so much traction? It’s not just because the Lions’ mission includes free admission. There are trucks serving fried eats, iced treats and grilled meats – and things you’ll agree are tasty and good even if you’re not hasty to eat carnival food. There are rides aplenty. You’ll feel truly alive whether you’re 5 or 20. There is also a midway, where festivalgoers mill and dance around games of skill and chance.
Returning this year is Bingo Under the Big Top: a riveting yet B9 pastime everyone should play every now and then, and which is so much fun that even losing can’t make you feel B10. Better still is Beer Under the Big Top. Cold brew. Foamy head. Nice hops. ‘Nuff said.
Will you go to Nothing Bundt Cakes for an O-shaped delectable? War Forged Printing, for a 3D-printed miniature, toy or collectible? Wings of the North, for a tribute to the craft that enriched our fair town? Sath Chakra Healing Stones, to attune all your energy from your root to your crown? Any of the 50 other vendors for a quick lookie? Or Happy Day Baking Company – for a cookie? These are questions you’ll care about at the Market Fair, no doubt.
Does driving to fairs make you feel a bit nervous? No worries. There is off-site parking and free shuttle service. To become a right expert on Schooner Days – just know it, like the front of your palm – go to epschoonerdays.com.
