Spring 2020 Hometown Messenger

Shakopee Indians, state baseball champions 1940; Photo courtesy Shakopee Heritage Society

A LOOK BACK

Egg Hunt moves to Lions Park Grab your baskets and get ready for some "eggcellent" fun at the annual Egg Hunt & Candy Grab Saturday, April 4.

Baseball in Shakopee has a long history and is still one of city’s most popular sports. Shakopee's opening game took place in 1903 at Riverside Park, which was located west of County Highway 101 and the Holmes Street Bridge. Over the next couple of decades, Riverside Park saw upgrades and additions, including the construction of a grandstand in 1924. In 1938, Shakopee hosted the State Amateur Baseball Tournament. The state baseball organization was so impressed with Shakopee’s organization of the tournament it awarded the city the event again in 1939, 1940 and 1948. By 1948, the tournament had become a huge event, so Shakopee Recreation Association, Inc. started a fundraiser to pay for lights in the baseball field. Additional seating was added, and the fence around the ballpark was painted. On Saturday, Sept. 11, 1948, the tournament opened with 26 teams participating. In just two days the tournament had more than 34,000 paid admissions, enough that every donor of the light project was paid back. Eventually, due to rot from years of flooding, Riverside Park’s grandstand was removed in 1983. Today, the park site is an archery range, and Joe Schleper Stadium at Tahpah Park has replaced the Riverside Park baseball field and grandstand. The city's official amateur town ball team, the Shakopee Indians, was formed in 1938. The team made its first appearance in a state tournament on home turf in 1940, coming away as state champions. The Shakopee Indians have participated in 26 state tournaments and have won four state titles. Shakopee also has several other amateur baseball teams, including the Shakopee Coyotes, Shakopee Chiefs and high school and youth teams.

This popular event is moving to Lions Park. Hunts by age start at 11 a.m. Be sure to arrive early to park and lineup as the hunts and candy grab are over quickly. Following the hunts, enjoy games, prizes and other fun activities. Be sure to dress for the weather since the Egg Hunt will be held rain, shine or snow. The free Egg Hunt is sponsored by Shakopee Parks and Recreation and JCI Shakopee.

IF YOU GO... WHAT: Egg Hunt & Candy Grab WHEN: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4 WHERE: Lions Park, 1103 Adams St. COST: FREE

Ice skaters from Peru visit Shakopee This February, 20 ice skaters from the Peruvian National Figure Skating Federation spent 10 days practicing their technique with Skating Coordinator Trudy Oltmanns and her coaching team. After a successful visit, the team plans to return this summer and again next season. "We have nothing but words of thanks to Trudy Oltmanns, her entire team, the ice rink and the entire Shakopee community that made our stay a wonderful experience that we will never forget," said Sergio Lois, head of the technical unit of the Peruvian Ice Skating Federation. Big Taste of Fun returns June 20 Mark your calendars for a full day of fun when Big Taste of Fun returns to Huber Park Saturday, June 20. The event kicks off with the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride, followed by the Taste of Shakopee and Business Expo. Shakopee Parks and Recreation will provide entertainment and activities all day. Watch for more information at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/bigtasteoffun.

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