Chamber Links: news and updates | | April 28th, 2026 | Volume 8 Issue 4 | | This Newsletter is Powered by Catalyst Member | |
Something About Spring
I don’t know about you, but there’s just something about spring in Lake City. The snow melts, the sun sticks around a little longer, and all of a sudden—it feels like everything comes back to life.
And here at the Chamber… it really does.
Read more from Heather's blog here
| | Enjoy These Upcoming Area Events | | |
100 Mile Garage Sale
May 7 thru 10, All Day
(All along the Great River Road)
Lake City is the right in the epicenter of this event which invites fifteen historic river towns and two states clean out their attics, garages and basements to create the most spectacular garage sale around!
Bargain hunters can start anywhere along the river road – Minnesota or Wisconsin – rain or shine. Hundreds of individuals and businesses participate with their own garage sales, often whole neighborhoods.
See a map here
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Book Sale
May 7 and 8, 9am-3pm
May 9, 9am-12pm
(209 S High St, Lake City)
The Friends of the Lake City Public Library's next sale is right around the corner during the 100 Mile Garage Sale weekend, so slow down and stop in!
They have a HUGE selection of books and have several "sale specials"!
Find so many great titles, many of which are in excellent condition. The sale begins at 9:00 am each day.
Learn more of the Friends of the Lake City Public Library's Facebook Page here
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City Mouse Live!
Sat May 9, 7pm
(WideSpot Performing Arts)
City Mouse has been playing for fans in the Upper Midwest for over fifty years. The group has opened for The Beach Boys, Robert Cray, Little Feat, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and many more.
The current lineup of seasoned players has been playing together since 1986, playing a musical blend of country, bluegrass, country-rock and five-part a cappella vocals.
Learn more and get tickets for this and other shows at widespotperformingarts.org
| | Water Ski Days Announcements | | |
Ralph Samuelson Freestyle Jump Competition and Tribute Thrill Show Return to Water Ski Days
(Water Ski Days)
We are excited to announce that this year's Water Ski Days (June 25-28, 2026) will again include a "Thrill Show" event on Saturday, featuring members of the Tommy Bartlett show in Wisconsin Dells honoring the legacy of Ralph Samuelson, and the 2nd Annual "Ralph Samuelson Freestyle Jump Competition" on Saturday, featuring national competitors in multiple divisions!
Returning will be Ski Dox ski team shows on Friday and Sunday as well as Friday's popular Get on the Water clinic from our friends at the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation.
These events are presented through the generous sponsorship of Treasure Island Resort and Casino, and produced by our good friends at Legacy Skis.
This year's Water Ski Days is poised to be the best one yet! A full schedule including event times is forthcoming.
Stay tuned in to waterskidays.com for updates.
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Chart Topping Country Act Drew Baldridge Headlines a Water Ski Days Music Line-Up Filled with Incredible Entertainment
(Water Ski Days)
We are thrilled to bring country superstar Drew Baldridge to Water Ski Days on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Drew Baldridge is a Nashville-based independent country artist who built his career on honest songs, relentless hustle, and a deep connection with fans. His breakout single, “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” became a viral sensation and made country music history as the first self-released debut to hit No. 1 on country radio. Aaron Simmons and Foster Grand open.
Also joining the Water Ski Days line-up are Rhino with opening act Fire at the Falls, Skitzo Fonic all night on Sunday, and a free Thursday show with The Local Hooligans after the Lake Hits 95 Karaoke Finals!
The Water Ski Days stage is presented through the generous sponsorship of Hearth and Home Technologies.
Get tickets, including discounted pricing on an early-bird full weekend pass and limited VIP passes at waterskidays.com
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Website Basics
Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business — so it needs to look great, function smoothly and help people find you online. This free practical workshop, presented by SMIF, is designed for small business owners who want to better understand the essential elements of an effective website without needing advanced technical skills.
Register here
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Partner with Knight Barry at the Water Ski Days Volunteer Appreciation Party
Knight Barry Title Group sponsors the always fun Water Ski Days volunteer appreciation party on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 at Ohuta Park. Their local office generously offers a brief orientation, delicious burgers and dogs, t-shirts, and a swag bag for all the folks who give their time to make our big summer festival a success.
Here's where you come in! They are looking for anything fun you'd wish to contribute to the volunteer goodie bag. This can include anything from coupons to local businesses to key chains to water bottles to hats, etc. Donate anything you'd like to show the volunteers you support them while advertising your local business.
Email Annie in our office if you'd like to contribute.
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Energy Efficiency Rebates
Lake City Public Utilities offers several business efficiency programs—including some new
incentives—to help offset the cost of upgrading to energy-saving equipment. As a business
electrical customer, you may qualify for a variety of energy efficiency rebates. To learn more or download our 2026 rebate forms, visit SaveEnergyInLakeCity.com
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Mother's Day Means Business
Consumer spending on Mother’s Day is expected to reach a record $38 billion this year, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The amount surpasses last year’s total spending of $34.1 billion and exceeds the previous record of $35.7 billion set in 2023.
This means Mother's Day can make a difference to the locally owned shops and restaurants in Lake City! This is our friendly reminder to skip the big box stores and faceless e-tail and spend your gift and dining dollars in our community! Keep a look out for special events and menus in Lake City at your favorite spots, or pick up some Chamber Bucks for the mama's in your life.
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Vote for the Great River Road
The Great River Road has once again been nominated as the Best Scenic Drive in America in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards!
Show your support for the Great River Road & vote once a day between now and May 4 right here
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New MN Chamber Podcast Episode
In this episode: Best Buy names a new CEO. Minnesota lawmakers are moving closer to advancing a statewide Inspector General proposal, and a new program helping businesses recover costs due to tariffs. Listen here!
In an increasingly busy world, stay ahead of the curve with The Minnesota Business Podcast, your essential weekly digest of Minnesota business and public affairs news. Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur or policymaker, this podcast, provided by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, is designed to efficiently get you all the vital Minnesota business news you need. Don't miss a headline – keep your finger on the pulse of Minnesota's business world with us by subscribing today. Subscribe here
| | | Tour de Pepin Just Around the Corner: Register by May 15th to Secure this Year's T-Shirt | | |
We couldn't be more excited for this year's Tour de Pepin on Saturday June 6th, 2026!
This year's tour features two shuttle boats, all the great routes and rest stops you've become accustomed to, the always epic after-ride party, and a Century Ride through the beautiful Weaver Dunes area south of Kellogg. The deadline to register and still secure this year's shirt with our brand new ride logo is coming up on May 15th. Great prices for groups of 4 are available. Learn more about the event and register at tourdepepin.com
| | Come and Knock on Our Door | | |
We had so much fun at the Girls Day Out: Mrs. Roper Romp & Shop last weekend.
These gals really know how to have a good time, and we applaud the efforts of the Shops of Lake City group, working together to make awesome events happen, and embodying the true spirit of collaboration and cooperation. They make Lake City stand out amongst our peer communities.
We hope you enjoy these fun pics, and be sure to always SHOP LOCAL FIRST!
See you at the next Shops of Lake City event. Stay tuned to their Facebook page to see what they've got in store for us next!
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