Thousands showed up last weekend to celebrate Prior Lake Days, hosted by the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The event was kicked off with Friday evening’s “Sip and Stroll” through which close to 750 ticket-holders could sample a variety of beverages and foods being offered by more than 75 vendors.

Saturday events had a wet and dreary start along with an occasional strike of lightning through mid-morning. The skies, however, cleared by  noon, enticing thousands to visit with area businesses that lined Main Avenue, get a tasty snack from one of many food trucks and listen to live music. Other activities included a cookie eating contest, classic car show, and children’s entrepreneur market. Chamber President Rebecca Scholz estimated attendance for the afternoon was close to 3,000.

“We couldn’t be prouder of this year’s Prior Lake Days,” Scholz said. “People from all over came to celebrate the community, enjoy our beautiful downtown and support local businesses, even during the rain Saturday morning.”

This was the first year Scholz was at the helm of the summer celebration. She said it’s events like Prior Lake Days that keeps the community vibrant and close-knit.

Planning for such a large event takes a great team, incredible volunteers and the support of sponsors, Scholz said, adding “Prior Lake Days is not possible without the amazing staff at the Chamber,” acknowledging the ongoing efforts of Jenni Mor, Mollee Hendler and Tracy Buckingham-Hayes.