New Name for Brooklyn Park’s Summer Celebration
Brooklyn Park’s summer celebration name has a slight, but noticeable addition this year. Previously known as Tater Daze, Brooklyn Park is now calling the festivities “Celebrate Brooklyn Park Tater Daze.”
Initial name change
Brad Tullberg, Brooklyn Park’s recreation and parks director, told the city council on May 8 that the name was initially changed to “Celebrate Brooklyn Park” this year to better reflect the diversity of cultures in the city.
“That again was a discussion with the community events task force, was to look at a broader celebration of Brooklyn Park and all of the various cultures that are represented in our city, more so than the specific heritage of the Tater Daze event and parade,” he said. “So the name Tater Daze has been transitioned out to ‘Celebrate Brooklyn Park.'”
Council retains Tater Daze branding
The council took issue with dropping the Tater Daze moniker from the festivities.
Mayor Hollies Winston said he wanted to see the city recognize its history in the celebration. He said Brooklyn Park could establish another celebration, such as a festival of nations, to recognize the changing nature of the city’s makeup.
“I do want to show some level of respect for what was established through Tater Daze,” he said. “There’s not necessarily a Brooklyn Park as we know without all those potatoes, you know, being farmed and us leading the nation in potatoes, right? And we all eat french fries.”
The council voted unanimously to retain the Tater Daze name.
“I agree with Mayor Winston in it honoring the legacy of who we are, and I don’t know, is there a culture that hates potatoes that we should be aware of?” Council Member Nichole Klonowski said.
Brooklyn Park City Manager Jay Stroebel said the city does not plan to host the festival as a large, multi-day event. He cited public safety concerns for the downsize.
Last year, police closed down the event early after fights broke out.
“I think Tater Daze was a cool brand that, you know, people were aware of,” said Council Member XP Lee.
Parade is June 3
This year, the parade will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 3. From noon to 3 p.m., the city is hosting a community market at Noble Sports Park. Vendors and food trucks will be on-site offering wares for purchase.
See also: What’s the Future of Local Festivals
