The city of Chaska celebrated its fifth annual PRIDE Picnic on June 21 at McKnight Park. Sponsored by the Human Rights Commission, partnering with the Parks and Recreation Department, the event featured family activities, information tables, food trucks and free ice cream.
The park’s facilities allowed everyone in attendance the best conditions that the hot weather would allow. Mother Nature provided a continual breeze, and trees brought comfort for the volunteers staffing the information and activity tables that were enjoyed by more than 200 residents of Chaska and nearby communities.
Groups that offered information included:
- Chaska Parks + Recreation
- Carver County Mental Health
- Carver County Public Health
- A trio of churches – Crown of Glory, Shepherd of the Hill and Chaska Moravian Church
- Sweet Salon and Barber Shoppe, Chanhassen
- Carver County PRIDE
- Chaska Public Library
Fun activity tables included beadwork bracelets, tie-dye PRIDE t-shirt coloring, Chaska High School GSA “Sea Creatures” community art project, face painting by Sopia Berggreman, rock painting and chalk drawing.
Food trucks gave the hearty picnickers sustenance. Music was played by “DJminiVanDad” (Zach Saueressig) – one of the many volunteers that helped with the activities. They included members of Latino V.O.I.C.E.S., Chaska Rotary and the City of Chaska.
Chaska’s Mayor Taylor Hubbard and Minnesota District 48B Representative Lucy Rehm endured the heat and talked with their constituents throughout the event.
Hot temperatures were balanced by cool activities and friendly smiles. The community was strengthened by this inclusive and welcoming event.
(Photos assistance by Jennifer Welvaert)
