Showcase Eagan Ready to Take it to the Streets

The City of Eagan will be closing some streets and opening the community this September for a brand new event, combined with a familiar gathering that showcases local-nonprofits, civic organizations, and city departments. It’s called Streets Alive, featuring Showcase Eagan. The August 1 deadline is fast approaching for local organizations to register for the September 15, event.

Showcase Eagan was previously held inside the Eagan Civic Arena, and displayed dozens of City, community groups, churches, and other organizations. Now the event is moving outside along Northwoods Parkway and Central Parkway stretching from behind Byerly’s all the way over to the Eagan Community Center. It’s gaining a whole new fun and healthy focus thanks, in part, to financial and technical support from the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, which is supporting open streets events across the state, organizers said.

“Our parents always taught us not to play in the street,” says Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire, “but here the idea is to close the streets to vehicle traffic, and open them to people of all ages to walk or bike or stroll, and explore all that Eagan has to offer.”

There will be fun things to do too. Learn how to play Pickle Ball, or show your date your hot basketball shooting hand.  Learn how to get started on a healthier lifestyle, from Market Fest vendors who will move their freshly grown crops out to the streets. From free apples to Zumba steps, from walking to wellness displays, organizers say it will be a great opportunity for family and friends to slow down and enjoy some active fun. Empty nesters or new residents looking to discover the many options for involvement in the community may find activities and organizations that appeal to their interests, all conveniently located along the three mile Streets Alive route.

Dozens of organizations will participate, from Scouts to Eagan’s Historical Society, and there are all kinds of vehicles from fire trucks to snow plows to explore. If you’ve founded a new group you want others to know about, or you have an existing group that wishes to participate, the cost is only $40 for a 10 x 10 skirted table and booth space. Streets Alive is a perfect way for new Eagan residents, the recently retired, or those who want to make new connections in their home community to sample the opportunities available to make a difference. 

It’s not too late to reserve your space for Streets Alive, which is set for 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15. Look for more information at www.cityofeagan/Alive