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The 2026 Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Internship Program is underway! This June, we welcomed 29 talented interns to kick off an unforgettable summer of learning, growth, and hands-on experience. Over the ten weeks with us, they’ll dive into exciting projects, explore specialty departments across the SMSC, and build lasting connections while sharpening skills that will set them up for future success.
From real-world challenges to behind-the-scenes insight, our internship program offers more than just experience—it’s a stepping stone for your career. Ready to make your mark next summer? Be a part of something extraordinary. Visit https://bit.ly/4gn06zv to stay in the loop on the 2027 application process!
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The SMSC invites all to join in on the excitement at the annual SMSC Wacipi held August 14-16 in Shakopee, Minnesota. The wacipi (pronounced wah-CHEE-pee), or powwow, is a traditional Native American celebration of life. It is a time when people gather to dance, sing, and celebrate, while renewing friendships, old and new. Admission is completely free!
Visit smscwacipi.org for more information and use the following link to book your stay at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel: http://bit.ly/42AUzxa
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Applications Open for the 10th Annual Scott County
FAST-TRACK Business Challenge
Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas have an exciting opportunity to take their ventures to the next level through the 10th Annual Scott County FAST-TRACK Business Challenge.
Applications are now being accepted through July 31, 2026, for this competition designed to help emerging businesses accelerate their path to success.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the FAST-TRACK Challenge has become a cornerstone of entrepreneurial support in Scott County, helping first-stage businesses and innovators transform ideas into thriving enterprises. The program’s mission is simple: provide entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and connections they need to grow their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy.
Often described as a “Shark Tank”-style competition, the FAST-TRACK Challenge offers much more than the chance to win prizes. Participants receive valuable guidance and support throughout the process, including free pitch preparation assistance through NextStage and the Scott County CDA Center for Entrepreneurship Board.
Selected participants gain access to experienced industry mentors, business and financial planning resources, networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs, media exposure, and the opportunity to refine their business concepts through expert feedback. Winning businesses may receive startup funding, professional service packages, and access to Class A shared meeting facilities within the Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship Business Accelerator.
The competition welcomes applicants across a wide range of industries, including Energy/Clean Tech/Water, Food/Ag/Beverage, High Tech, Life Science/Health Tech, Personal Care Solutions, Professional Services, and General Business categories.
To be eligible, applicants must reside in Scott County or be willing to locate their business in Scott County. Applicants should have a viable product, service, or business idea and be operating a first-stage business or developing a new product or service concept.
The FAST-TRACK Challenge culminates with a live finalist event on October 8, 2026, where selected entrepreneurs will present their business ideas before judges and community leaders. In 2025 alone, the program awarded $21,000 in cash and in-kind services to participating businesses, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship.
Whether you’re launching a startup, developing a new product, or turning a business idea into reality, the Scott County FAST-TRACK Business Challenge provides the tools, connections, and visibility to help move your business forward.
Ready to take your idea to the next level? There is no entry fee to apply, and free pitch preparation assistance is available to all participants. Submit your application by July 31, 2026, and learn more at www.scottcountyfasttrack.com. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this milestone 10th anniversary year and put your business on the fast track to success.
| | Interested Business Owners: Apply by July 31, 2026 | | |
The Career Lift Initiative is a new community partnership open to Scott County residents that will provide FREE training, quality job placement & retention services provided by the Shakopee Area Chamber of Commerce, and comprehensive support services through Scott County Employment and Training.
Please reach out to hproskey@shakopee.org to learn how to become a Career Lift Business Partner and gain access to a trained workforce!
Visit shakopee.org/careerlift to learn about the training opportunities that have been designed to meet current industry needs.
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Summer may be in full swing, but the fun is far from over! While we are soaking up every bit of sunshine and enjoying our current summer programs, we’re also hard at work preparing for a fantastic line-up of fall classes.
Online registration for fall activities will open July 15, and printed catalogs will be mailed to district households in early August.
Whether you want to make the most of the remaining weeks of summer or get a head start on your family’s fall plans, we have classes for all ages—from birth through adulthood—designed to inspire learning and connection.
For more information, visit our New Prague Area Community Education website.
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Hope for the Community – Elko New Market
Hope for the Community – Elko New Market is a volunteer-led food distribution serving families throughout Scott County from 26518 France Avenue in Elko New Market. Jim and Jodi Muelken, with the help of more than 100 local volunteers, operate the Elko New Market location, which opened in 2018 with support from Dr. Al Goracke and Hope for the Community in Blaine, Minnesota. The local site is affiliated with Hope for the Community, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian nonprofit founded in 2010 with the mission of “Fighting Hunger, Delivering Hope.” The Elko New Market distribution is open to everyone and provides free food support on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
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At each distribution, volunteers help organize, pack, load, and distribute food directly to families in need. Hope for the Community – Elko New Market is currently averaging approximately 350 families per event, showing the continued need for food support in Scott County. The work is made possible by local volunteers and supporters who give their time, energy, and financial support to make sure neighbors are welcomed with dignity, kindness, and compassion. More than a food distribution, Hope for the Community – Elko New Market is a community effort built on service, generosity, and the belief that no family should have to face food insecurity alone.
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The Scott County CDA proudly hosted a ribbon cutting on May 27, 2026, celebrating the newly constructed singlefamily homes in the Moraine Addition Community Land Trust (CLT) development in Shakopee. The event brought together approximately 35 partners and community representatives to recognize the completion of the first three homes in this tenlot subdivision, marking a major milestone in the CDA’s ongoing efforts to expand longterm affordable homeownership opportunities in Scott County.
The ceremony highlighted the essential collaboration among key funding partners and project contributors, including Scott County, MN Housing, the Metropolitan Council, CenterPoint Energy, and Shakopee Public Utilities. Attendees also recognized the critical work of K.A. Witt Construction as contractor, Architect Marnie Peichel, surveyors, energy auditors, and many others whose expertise helped bring the project to life. Of the three Phase 1 homes, two have sold and one remains available for purchase as the CDA continues its mission of fostering attainable homeownership.
Looking ahead, Phases 2 and 3—comprising the remaining seven homes—will be advertised for bid in July 2026, with construction planned for fall 2026 and spring 2027. The CLT model plays a vital role in supporting firsttime homebuyers earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI), currently $105,200, by reducing upfront costs and preserving affordability for future generations. The CDA extends its sincere appreciation to all partners, collaborators, and community members who contributed to this project’s success and joined in celebrating this meaningful achievement.
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Building a Safer Community: Register for Night to Unite 2026!
Tuesday, August 4, is Night to Unite! The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents and business owners across the City of Credit River and the 10 townships of Scott County to gather their neighbors, fire up the grills, and register their local celebrations.
| Night to Unite is a powerful annual tradition dedicated to celebrating community spirit, getting to know the people on your block, and promoting local safety. Because when neighbors look out for one another, it creates one of our most effective tools for preventing crime. | |
“Night to Unite is a great opportunity for us to connect with residents in a relaxed and positive setting,” says Sheriff Luke Hennen. “When neighbors know each other and have strong relationships with public safety, communities become safer and stronger.”
Invite the Sheriff's Office to Your Party!
Want to make your neighborhood block party or cookout even more memorable? You can request a special visit from local public safety personnel when you register your event online.
Weather and time permitting, various members of the Sheriff’s Office will be out making appearances across the county, including:
- Sheriff Luke Hennen & K-9 Olin
- Patrol & Recreational Safety Deputies
- 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicators
- Jail Correctional Officers
- Reserve Deputies & the Mounted Posse (horses!)
How to Participate:
- Register Early: To request a visit from Sheriff’s Office personnel, you must register your neighborhood event online by Friday, July 17.
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Where to Register: Sign up online at scottcountymn.gov/1690/Night-to-Unite.
- City Residents: If you live within other Scott County cities outside of the 10 townships and Credit River, please contact your local city law enforcement agency directly to coordinate your neighborhood's participation.
Questions? For more information, feel free to reach out to Community Engagement Deputy Amy Weckman at 952-496-8862 or via email at aweckman@co.scott.mn.us. You can also view the official online press release for additional details.
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BELLE PLAINE
All-Wheel Wednesdays
July 1, July 8, July 22, and July 29
August 5, August 12, August 19, and August 26
No All-Wheel Wednesday on July 15 due to Belle Plaine BBQ Days, July 17 – 19. Instead, vehicle enthusiasts are invited to attend the Belle Plaine Car Roll-In on Friday, July 17, at Berger Interiors, 301 S. Meridian Street.
Events are held from 5 – 8 PM each week, with vehicle parking beginning at 4 PM. No pre-registration is required; participants can register on-site at the blue tent on Meridian Street between Huck's and Steel Horse Tavern.
Downtown Belle Plaine comes alive each week with All-Wheel Wednesdays! Whether it's a classic car, a brand-new ride, a motorcycle, truck, or custom hot rod, all vehicles are welcome. Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, live music, door prizes, and a great community atmosphere throughout the summer.
Belle Plaine BBQ Days
July 17 - 19
Parade Theme: America - 250 Years of Independence
Join one of the hottest weekends of the summer as Belle Plaine celebrates 250 years of freedom, community, and American spirit. Whether participants are building a float or cheering from the curb, everyone is encouraged to show their best red, white, and blue!
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JORDAN
Heimatfest 2026
September 11 - 12
Celebrate Jordan's German heritage at the annual Heimatfest, a free community festival held the weekend after Labor Day.
Festival Highlights:
- Historic downtown car cruise and parade
- Run of the Mill 5K
- Food, beverages, and family activities
- Community entertainment and local vendors
- Festivities throughout scenic Lagoon Park
Hosted by local organizations and volunteers, Heimatfest welcomes residents and visitors alike to enjoy Jordan's hospitality and traditions.
Spotlight Storytime
All ages welcome. Join local notables for stories and fun for kids and families.
Tuesdays 10:30 - 11 AM
Location: Jordan Library
July 7 - Climb Theatre
July 14 - Katie Anderson - Jordan Schools
July 21 - Sensory Class
July 28 - Jen S. - Library Director
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PRIOR LAKE
Park Passport
Celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month by exploring Prior Lake parks!
- Pick up your passport at Prior Lake City Hall starting July 1.
- Visit all the playgrounds or shelters at the parks listed and look for the park's passport icon.
- Rub with a crayon or draw the icon on your passport to complete your visit.
- Once you’ve completed your passport, come back to City Hall between July 15 - 31 to get stamped and receive a prize.
Get outside, have fun, and start exploring
Pickup Truck Opera
August 21
Join us for Mixed Precipitation's Pickup Truck Opera Vol. 6: Tales of Hoffmann!
Bring a chair or a blanket, cooler, and a snack and enjoy this one-of-a-kind performance based on Jacques Offenbach's 1881 opera. Popcorn available for purchase.
- Date: Friday, August 21
- Time: 6:30 PM – 8 PM
- Location: Lakefront Park, 5000 Kop Parkway SE - bring your own chair!
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Keep an eye on our Facebook event for timely updates.
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SAVAGE
Downtown Farmers Market
Sundays, June 7 - October 25
8 AM - 1 PM
Downtown Savage • 4800 W 123rd Street
Stroll aisles filled with fruits, vegetables, and more during their peak season of freshness, nutrition, and taste. All are 100% locally grown!
Bring the kiddos and search for Maggie the Market Goat, who will be hidden around the market each week. Once you find her, go to the info booth to claim a prize!
Treats N’ Tunes
Join your neighbors, family, and friends for an evening of fun and entertainment! Enjoy FREE ice cream and yard games and listen to a performance from a wide range of talented, kid-friendly musicians. Each event will be hosted at a different park and will feature a new musician throughout the summer.
July 21 | 6 – 8 PM
Band: Pan-Handlers Steel Drum Band (Caribbean Steel Drums)
Location: Woodhill Park, 8901 138th St.
August 18 | 6 – 9 PM
Band: New Vintage Acoustic (Classic Rock/Country)
Location: Community Park Pickleball Courts, 13500 Dakota Ave.
September 15 | 5 – 7 PM
Band: The Bazillions (Kids/Family)
Location: Heatherton Ridge Park, 9051 Heatherton Ridge Drive
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ELKO NEW MARKET
Elko New Market Community Picnic
Saturday, August 22
11 AM - 1:30 PM at Wagner Park
In 2017, the City of Elko New Market celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the merger of the cities of Elko and New Market by having a Community Picnic at Wagner Park. Since 2017, this celebration has become an annual event held in August of each year.
The picnic will include FREE food, beverages, and fun activities for the whole family. Details of the event will become available prior to the event.
Bring your family and friends over to Wagner Park to enjoy a fun community get-together!
If you have any questions regarding the Community Picnic, please contact Jessica Davidson at (952)461-2777 or email jdavidson@ci.enm.mn.us.
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NEW PRAGUE
Czech Out New Prague
August 6
5 - 8:30 PM
Memorial Park
First Thursday in August every year and features various exhibitors, great local eateries, a junior firefighter challenge presented by the New Prague Fire Department, dance performances, entertainment, and more!
New Prague Dožínky® Festival
September 17 – 19
Celebrate the 42nd Annual Dožínky® Festival in New Prague! Join the community for a weekend celebrating Czech heritage, family fun, and local traditions.
Festival Highlights:
- Thursday, Sept. 17: Dožínky Zero K at Giesenbräu Bier Co. and Dožínky Bingo
- Friday, Sept. 18: Classic Car Cruise on Main Street and Chamber Beer Garden Street Dance
- Saturday, Sept. 19: Opening Ceremony at Czech Heritage Village (10 AM)
- Merchandise and food vendors open on Main Street beginning at 10 AM
- Kids Czech Tour (1 – 4 PM)
- Czech heritage exhibits, performers, vendors, and local royalty
- Rick Tietz Memorial Softball Tournament
- Alumni Women's Volleyball Tournament
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SHAKOPEE
Rhythm on the Rails
Soak up summer at Rhythm on the Rails, a free outdoor concert series in historic downtown Shakopee. Held over six weeks in June and July on Wednesdays from 6 PM - 9 PM, each concert features a local opening act and regional headliner. Rhythm on the Rails is family-friendly and includes kids activities, plus you can grab dinner or a snack from local food vendors.
July 8 | Def Leggend – World’s Greatest Tribute to Def Leppard
Def Leggend covers songs from 10 Def Leppard albums with performances that channel the sound, visuals, and performance style of the iconic rock band. Formed in 2013, Def Leggend has toured extensively across the U.S. and Mexico.
July 15 | World According to Garth
World According to Garth celebrates the music of country legend Garth Brooks. From “Friends in Low Places” to “The Dance,” the World According to Garth performs Brooks’ hits with accuracy and emotional depth.
July 22 | Parrothead Paradise – A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett
Parrothead Paradise transports audiences with the sunny, beachy music of Jimmy Buffet. An 11-piece band conveys the tropical, escapist spirit of Buffet’s live shows.
July 29 | The Fabulous Armadillos Party Band
The Fabulous Armadillos boast a wide-ranging set list with favorites from country, Motown, 1970s soft rock, and much more. The 8-piece band is known for their entertaining and musically spot-on performances.
Huber Park Event Series 2026
Free, family entertainment along the riverfront!
Location: Huber Park, 150 Fillmore St. N., Shakopee, MN
Website: www.ShakopeeMN.gov
Info: 952-233-9500
Weather Hotline: 952-233-9502
Schedule subject to change.
July 9 | 7 PM
The Jury: Rock/Blues All-Star Dance Band
July 16 | 7 PM
Indigo Moon: Jazz
July 23 | 7 PM
Prairie Potluck: Bluegrass, Country, Classical, Americana, Gospel, and Folk
July 30 | 7 PM
Michael Handler Project: Cover Band
August 6 | 7 PM
The Percolators: Variety Music
August 13 | 7 PM
Concert Rain Date
August 22 | Dusk
Movie in the Park: Movie to be determined
| | Upcoming Homebuyer Workshop / Taller para Primeros Compradores: Register Today! | | |
The Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) offers free Business Blueprint Sessions for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses. On May 13, the CFE hosted Jeff Griffith, owner of Jeff Griffith Creative, for a presentation on Integrity and the Art of Acquiring New Business at Scott County CDA. Griffith is a creative director with more than 30 years of experience across advertising agencies, national publications, and integrated marketing for Fortune 100 brands and major institutions. His presentation challenged attendees to be patient, stay on brand, and reexamine their personal standards and business integrity — and judging by the lively Q&A that followed, the message landed.
This was followed by another session on June 10, where Art Shore of Minnesota Business Mentors (MB Mentors) presented on Stop Guessing, Start Pitching: Build a Pitch Deck That Works! Art Shore founded Minnesota Business Mentors in 2020 after decades leading Learning & Development for multinational organizations and now offers free coaching and resources to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Attendees learned to build a compelling pitch deck using a clear 5-step framework, crafting a persuasive business narrative, defining their market size, and mastering the 10 essential components that make investors take notice.
There are also two sessions planned for later in the year:
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August 12
Business Blueprint
11 AM - 12:30 PM
at Scott County CDA | | | |
Erin Anderson, Owner of DEMMS Consulting LLC, provides education and guidance to individuals who are motivated to improve their personal and financial situations. Erin works with clients to help them make both simple and complex changes that lead to greater personal success. Currently, DEMMS Consulting focuses on helping small businesses organize and prepare financial information for tax preparation, making the process smoother and more efficient for business owners. Erin is an Enrolled Agent (EA), holding the highest credential of the IRS awards. For the past 19 years, Erin managed a multi-million-dollar family tax business in Omaha, Nebraska. She personally assisted more than 1,500 clients annually — many of them small business owners — leading to a wide range of implemented tax strategies.
Prior to moving her family to Nebraska, Erin held various accounting roles in Minnesota at Ernst & Young, one of the Big 4 Accounting firms, and Ecolab, a global St. Paul leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions. Erin graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in the early 1990s.
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September 9
Business Blueprint
11 AM - 12:30 PM
at Scott County CDA | |
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Paul Thompson, Founder, Principal & Chief Growth Architect at Orama: partnering with pre-seed to pre-IPO founders to diagnose growth constraints, align teams, and execute the highest-leverage path to scale.
Registration links for these events have not yet been released. Check Scott County CDA social media for updates. Follow the Scott County CDA on Eventbrite to register for these and other upcoming events: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/scott-county-cda-cfe-17874078810
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Stay Connected!
To stay informed about all the exciting events and developments in Scott County, follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter at GreatScottCounty.org. We look forward to sharing more about what makes our Great Scott County a fantastic place to live and do business.
| | Until next time, take care and enjoy all that Scott County offers. | | | | |
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