Prior Lake, Minn. – Today, four entertainment powerhouses in the southwest Twin Cities metro area and the cities in which they are located announced they are joining forces to develop a unified brand and vision for the area. The collaboration includes the cities of Prior Lake and Shakopee, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Canterbury Park, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Renaissance Festival, and Valleyfair.

The initiative was spurred by the success of the 2012 joint marketing agreement between the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and Canterbury Park and conversations between Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Chairman Charlie Vig, Prior Lake Mayor Ken Hedberg, and Shakopee Mayor Brad Tabke.

“Collaboration leads to opportunities,” said Vig. “We’ve seen it in our relationships with local governments and with Canterbury Park. We are all deeply committed to this region and know that great opportunities will come from working together.”

The northern Scott County area has been an entertainment destination for decades, and the number of visitors has increased throughout the years. “This area has a history of fun, and has been entertaining visitors for more than a century,” said Hedberg. “Our goal is to help people better understand everything this area has to offer, and create opportunities for the people who live, work and play here.”

The four entertainment destinations alone attract nearly 4.5 million visitors annually, which is 50% more visitors than the Wisconsin Dells or Duluth.

“It is an exciting time for our region,” said Tabke. “We are enjoying tremendous growth, and the entertainment industry is an important part of that equation.”

“We all share similar goals of wanting this region to thrive and attract quality employees and visitors from across the country,” said Dave Frazier, vice president and general manager of Valleyfair. “We are excited to be at the table and explore ways that we may be able to market this unique region together.”

The group is just beginning discussions, but it hopes to announce a regional name and brand in the coming months.

About the City of Prior Lake

Prior Lake is a community known for its lakes, outdoor amenities, recreation, entertainment venues and opportunities. Coupled with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, the other entertainment venues in northern Scott County and the vibrant regional parks, Prior Lake enjoys a regional and national reputation as a great place to visit and stay. The 23,000+ residents of Prior Lake reinforce a warm, small-town feel by welcoming visitors with courtesy and hospitality. Prior Lake’s downtown area serves as the hub of the City, offering a walkable destination, specialty shopping, dining, entertainment and services that meet the needs of residents and visitors alike.

About the City of Shakopee

Shakopee is a thriving community that offers the friendly, charming atmosphere of a small town and the advantages of a vibrant Twin Cities metropolitan area. Located along the Minnesota River, Shakopee is the seat of Scott County and boasts a growing population of 38,000 residents. A city rich in history, Shakopee is home to a unique central business district, expansive business park, high-quality regional medical center and a diverse, top-notch school district. Its numerous recreational opportunities and popular attractions, including Valleyfair Amusement Park and Canterbury Park Racetrack, mark Shakopee as a regional entertainment destination.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to community partnerships, charitable donations, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. The SMSC and the SMSC Gaming Enterprise (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino) are the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has also donated more than $290 million to organizations and causes since 1992, funds its own infrastructure, and contributes generously to regional governments and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and emergency services.

About Canterbury Park

Canterbury Park Holding Corporation owns and operates Canterbury Park Racetrack, Minnesota’s only thoroughbred and quarter horse racing facility. The Company’s 69-day 2014 live race meet begins on May 16th and ends September 13th. In addition, Canterbury Park’s Card Casino hosts card games 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering both poker and table games. The Company also conducts year-round wagering on simulcast horse racing and hosts a variety of other entertainment and special events at its facility in Shakopee, Minnesota. For more information about the Company, please visit us at www.canterburypark.com.

About Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel® is owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) in Prior Lake, Minnesota. With 4,200 employees, the SMSC is the largest employer in Scott County. The SMSC Gaming Enterprise, including Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino ®, also received a 2013 “Best Places to Work” award from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Visit www.mysticlake.com for more information about the Midwest’s premier gaming facility – offering gaming, dining, headline performers, unique special events, championship golf, and luxurious accommodations.

About the Renaissance Festival

The 44th Annual Minnesota Renaissance Festival, one of the largest themed events in the country is just around the corner. Journey back in time as more than 450 entertainers contribute to the atmosphere of this charming 16th century village featuring 16 stages of live entertainment, over 250 artisan booths for endless shopping, live armored jousting, and food fit for a king! The Festival is open weekends, August 16-September 28, Labor Day, and a special day for schools and seniors on Festival Friday, September 26, rain or shine. For more information, visit www.renaissancefest.com.

About Valleyfair

Valleyfair is the Upper Midwest’s largest family amusement park with over 75 rides and attractions and is located 25 minutes southwest of the Twin Cities on County Road 101, just east of Shakopee, Minn. Valleyfair is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” In addition to Valleyfair, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, three water parks, one indoor water park, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in California under a management contract. For more information, directions or to purchase tickets in advance, please visit valleyfair.com or call 952-445-6500.