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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
20th Annual Waconia Open
Monday, July 13 | 11:00AM
Island View Golf Club
7795 Laketown Pwky, Waconia
The 20th Annual Waconia Open is set for Monday, July 13. The tournament kicks off with an 11:00 AM shotgun start, and this year with a Stars Stripes & Birdies theme. Registration is open now!
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The biennial Career Exploration Fair and Community Expo is almost here, and Waconia is ready for it!
On Friday, April 10, at Waconia High School, over 80 local businesses (our biggest yet!) will be set up and ready to highlight the many ways they serve and support the community. Beyond their products and services, these businesses give students a chance to discover career paths and opportunities they perhaps haven’t yet explored, leading to meaningful connections and support between students, local professionals, and the community.
Bradley Meyer, a 2021 Waconia High School graduate, is a powerful example of this convergence. As a high-schooler, he worked part-time at the Waconia Culver’s, where he received amazing support from his manager and co-workers–along with a scholarship towards his future studies. Now, a senior at Crown College–the Platinum Sponsor for this year’s event–he continues to contribute to the community that played such an important part in his journey. AND he also fondly recalls attending the Career Fair and Community Expo as a student! We love to see these collaborations and truly believe that building these relationships only makes Waconia stronger.
The fun continues on Saturday, April 11, with activities, demos, special guests, a touch-a-truck, goats (yes, goats!), and more at the Waconia Community Expo! Once again, local businesses will be there to engage with the community and showcase what they do best. There’s something for everyone at this free, family-friendly event, and you don’t want to miss the excitement.
A special thank you to our partners and sponsors of these events. We couldn’t do it without you and your support.
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Promote Your Presence at the Community Expo!
Get a head start on spreading the word! We’ve created downloadable promotional graphics to help you showcase your participation in the Community Expo. Simply add your business logo and share on your social media, website, or email communications to let your customers know you’ll be there.
It’s an easy way to boost visibility, drive traffic to your booth, and show your support for our local community.
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Minnesota Chamber Paid Family Medical Leave
Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program took effect January 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in how employers across the state manage employee leave. To gauge early experiences with the new law, nearly 700 employers participated in a statewide digital survey conducted February 6 – March 1, 2026. The results offer a statistically meaningful snapshot of business sentiment from administrative challenges to operational impact as Minnesota employers navigate this new landscape.
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Minnesota Paid Leave Resources
Small Business Grants
- If you qualify as a “small employer” under the PFML program, you can apply for a grant to help cover costs when an employee has taken leave for expenses incurred after Jan 1, 2026. These grants help manage the cost of hiring temporary workers, increasing hours or wages, or training staff while an employee is out on PFML.
- Grants offer up to $3,000 per leave, with a maximum of $6,000 per employer each calendar year. The program is funded at $5,000,000 annually, and once those funds are fully used, no additional grants will be awarded that calendar year.
- To learn more and apply, click resources below.
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Minnesota Employment & Economic Development
Minnesota businesses impacted by Operation Metro Surge may be eligible for financial support. A proposed Forgivable Loan Program (HF 4477) could provide relief, though availability depends on legislative approval. Additionally, the Forward Fund still has about $120M in financing available for businesses.
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We appreciate your support!
Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber!
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Bode Gray's
Darabi Dermatology
Epic Event Rental
Eva Sophia Project
Hustle & Heart Sports
Lakeside Loft
Legacy Health Insurance
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New Perspective Senior Living
River Valley Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, PLLC
Scrimgeour Group - eXp Realty
Shed & Fence Co
Southwest Eye Care
Special Olympics Minnesota
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The Uptown Apartments
Waconia DandyLions
Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep
Welcome Neighbor
Westrum's Quality Foods
Wilford
| | McLeod County Garage Doors | |
Primary contact: Aaron Donnay
(320) 300-0370
547 Miller Ave SW, Hutchinson
mcleodcountygaragedoors.com
info@mcleodcountygaragedoors.com
Welcome to the Chamber McLeod County Garage Doors! Based in Hutchinson, they offer reliable garage door repair, installation, and maintenance, with a focus on quality service and dependable support for homes and businesses.
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Primary contact: Steve Rettler
(952) 442-3250
712B Vista Boulevard, Waconia
allseasonsgarmentcare.com
steve@allseasonsgarmentcare.com
We recently visited All Seasons Garment Care to see their new pickup system in action. They continue to provide environmentally friendly dry cleaning, laundry, and tailoring services with same-day convenience.
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Primary contact: Todd Christofferson
952-444-1824
840 Marketplace Drive, Waconia
tractorsupply.com
Please join us in welcoming Tractor Supply to Waconia and the Chamber! This rural lifestyle retail chain is a one-stop shop for farmers, ranchers, hobbyists, and country living enthusiasts, offering farm equipment, livestock feed, pet supplies, work clothing, tools, and outdoor gear.
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March Luncheon Recap
State of the City
We had the pleasure of gathering today at the Waconia Fire Station for our Chamber Luncheon, featuring an important panel discussion on the State of the City.
Thank you to our panel. They shared valuable updates on infrastructure, construction, and the future of our community. It was a great opportunity to stay informed and connected on what’s happening in Waconia!
A special thanks to Sweet Wink's for making sure we were well-fed while we learned and connected. Also, thank you to Xcel Energy for sponsoring this event.
| | Speaker Pannel: Tim Litfin, Mayor of Waconia; Shane Fineran, City of Waconia Administrator; Lane Braaten, Community Development Director; Jon Haukaas, Public Services Director | | Congratulations on your milestone! Wishing you continued success. | | |
6th Annual Waconia Works Signing Day: Seeking Participants
Tuesday, May 5 | 7:00-8:00AM
Waconia High School
Signing day is an opportunity to recognize Waconia High School seniors for their decision to enter the workforce post-graduation with a local company in the area; and to highlight the local businesses that provide those opportunities. In the past we’ve highlighted students that are entering the manufacturing, trades, and/or automotive workforce. If you know of a student and business that would be interested in participating, please email Christine at cfenner@destinationwaconia.org for more details.
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Waconia Diaper Drive
In need of children's diapers (size 4-6 preferred), pull ups & wipes.
Donation Drop Off Sites:
- Mackenthun's Fine Foods Waconia
- First Years Academy
- O2B Kids Waconia
- Cadence Academy
- Waconia Public Schools - ECFE
- Trinity Lutheran School Waconia
- St. Joseph's Catholic School
- Brush Dental Studio - St. Boni
- Edward Jones
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Waconia +30 Fitness Challenge
The City of Waconia is thrilled to introduce the Waconia +30 Fitness Challenge, a new community-wide effort designed to inspire residents to add 30 minutes a day to their normal fitness routine during the month of April—or, if they are not already involved with a fitness routine, to start with just 30 minutes of activity each day.
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Petting Zoo & Tippy the Cow
Saturday, April 4 | 1:00PM-3:00PM
Mackenthun's Fine Foods
851 Marketplace Drive, Waconia
We are excited to announce that the Carver County Petting Zoo, featuring Tippy the Cow, will be visiting Mackenthun's Fine Foods in Waconia! We hope to see you there!
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Lola's Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 5 | 10:00AM-3:00PM
Lola's Lakehouse
318 East Lake Street, Waconia
Lola’s Lakehouse is accepting reservations for Easter Brunch! Enjoy an abundant buffet selection of seasonal appetizers, sweet and savory entrees, fresh seafood, carving stations, artisan pastries, desserts and more! Please make your reservation online or call our host stand at 952-442-4954. We look forward to celebrating with you!
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Tee Off In Style
Thursday, April 9 | 2:00-6:00PM
Shape It Up Fitness
44 W Main St, Waconia
Tee off in style! Join us at Shape It Up Fitness for an afternoon of sips, snacks, and shopping. Enjoy an exclusive trunk show featuring TravisMathew, plus shop styles from Waggle, UNRL, and Lululemon.
Shop the event and earn 20% back — don’t miss it!
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Girls Night
Wednesday, April 22 | 6:30-7:30PM
Shape It Up Fitness
44 W Main St, Waconia
Join us for an empowering women’s wellness and fitness collaboration event with Quincee MacGibbon, owner of Awaken Aesthetics & Wellness. Enjoy light bites and drinks while learning why many women feel “off” in their 30s–50s, how hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact your health, and what options exist to feel your best. We’ll cover lab testing, key symptoms to watch for, and non-pharmaceutical approaches including supplements, IV therapy, and bioidentical hormone support.
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Waconia Wine Hop
Saturday, April 11 | 12:00-6:00PM
Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery, Parley Lake Winery and The Winery at Sovereign Estate
Hop your way around Waconia Wine Country for a special SPRING tasting at three award-winning wineries all located within 5 miles of each other in beautiful Waconia, MN! Each winery will offer a wine tasting of 4 different wines, special wine deals, live music, and great food! Visit all three wineries and be entered into a drawing for a Waconia wine basket! Check-in times begin at 12 NOON and plan to do the tour in about 3 hours. Choose a winery and time where you would like to start and then hop to the next following the order below. We ask for an RSVP start time so we can spread out guests and lines and make for the best guest experience. Actual tasting fees will be sold at the door of each location.
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Pins for a Purpose
Friday, April 17 | 4:30-6:30PM & 7:00-9:00PM
Bowlero Eden Prairie
1220 Singletree Ln, Eden Prairie
Join Ridgeview Foundation for a fun, all-ages evening of bowling, food, and community impact. Pins for a Purpose brings families, friends, and neighbors together to support Ridgeview’s Pediatric Program and strengthen local health care. With unlimited bowling, prizes, a family-friendly buffet, and optional VIP experiences, it’s an easy and meaningful way to have fun while giving back. Tickets are available for individuals, groups, and VIP packages, with all proceeds benefiting care for children and families across the region.
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Wine Run 5K
Saturday, April 18 | 8:00AM
Parley Lake
8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia
Join us for an exciting new event that features the amazing scenery and landscape of the Parley Lake Winery! Located just west of Minneapolis/St. Paul in the rolling hills of Waconia, we offer a unique setting where art & wine entwine. Whether you are looking to run, walk or just enjoy the wine this race is a sure thing for a great time and an incredible experience! This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. We are excited to announce that the local charity partner for this event is Ridgeview Foundation!
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Wild Game Feed & Sportsman's Dinner
Saturday, April 25 | 4:00-8:00PM
Carver County Fairgrounds
501 W 3rd St, Waconia
Join us for a fun night of wild game appetizers, dinner, live music, and door prizes! Tickets are $40 (kids 16 and under half price) and give you a chance to win part of over $12,000 in cash and raffle prizes. Raffle tickets will be available during the event, featuring prizes like a TenPoint Venom X Crossbow, Winchester XPR .270 with scope, Strikemaster 8" 40V Ice Auger, Wood Pellet Grill, and more.
Tickets are available online or by calling 612-396-8709 or 612-396-1358.
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Community of Belonging
Saturday, April 27 | 8:30AM-12:00PM
Paradise Commons
501 W 3rd St, Waconia
Join us in building a county where everyone feels safe, connected, and valued—where every resident can proudly say, “I belong here.”
Celebrate Community is a countywide gathering of residents, leaders, and partners from across Carver County who care about connection, belonging, and the well-being of their neighbors. Rooted in the Communities of Belonging initiative launched through the Community Health Improvement Plan, this event brings people together to highlight what’s working well in each city, learn from one another, and consider what steps will help us build even stronger, more connected communities. Through shared stories, small-group conversations, and collective planning, we’ll explore how each of our communities creates spaces where people feel seen, valued, and included—and how we can continue that work together.
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Post your jobs on DestinationWaconia.org
and the Waconia Works Facebook Page.
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22st Annual Sister Saturday
Saturday, May 9 | 9AM-4PM
All over Waconia
Specials all over town at shops, bars, and restaurants! Plan your ladies’ shopping and dining day in May with all-day deals & steals at over 30 participating Waconia businesses.
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9:00AM Strolling Swag Bag Giveaway - 50 at each location!
Frattallone's Hardware & Garden or Ruthie's House Vintage
*NEW!* We’re shaking things up this year with an interactive twist on the Sister Saturday Swag Bags! Pick up a bag and stroll from shop to shop to collect goodies from participating businesses.
*See website for Strolling Swag Bag details!
There's still time to participate! Register today by clicking the link below.
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Waconia Events Calendar
Mark your calendars for these fun events happening in Waconia this year! For more events and details, visit DestinationWaconia.org.
If you have an upcoming event, add it to the Community Calendar. Click for instructions to add your event.
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- April Luncheon -
Elevate Your Health
Thursday, April 23 | 11:30AM-1:00PM
Twin Cities Orthopedics
820 Village Wy, Waconia
Guest speaker: Dr. Brandon Schomberg, PT, DPT, & the team at TCO
Join us for an insightful luncheon on Elevate Your Health! Explore key topics that impact you and your team every day, including Nutrition, Health Quotient, and Injury Prevention. Perfect for professionals looking to boost wellness and performance at work and beyond.
Deadline to register: Monday, April 20
Know of a business leader that could benefit from this luncheon? Invite them to lunch with you. They're lunch is complimentary and your next luncheon will be free! Email to emckeever@destinationwaconia.org to register.
| | Chamber Calendar - April 2026 | | |
APRIL 9 Retail Meeting, 8:30-10:00AM @Chamber Office
APRIL 10 Career Fair, 8:30AM-11:00AM @Waconia High School
APRIL 11 Community Expo, 9:00AM-1:00PM @Waconia High School
APRIL 14 Tourism Meeting, 9:00AM-10:00AM @Mackenthun's Minnetrista
APRIL 16 Ambassadors, 8:45AM-10:30AM @Chamber Office
APRIL 21 B.E.N, 7:00AM-8:00AM @Waconia High School
APRIL 23 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @TCO (820 Village Wy, Waconia)
APRIL 28 WYP, 3:30PM-5:00PM @Lola's Lakehouse (318 E Lake St, Waconia)
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STAY CONNECTED
@DestinationWaconia
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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
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