Thanks to everyone who had a hand in the 2024 Tree Lighting event! | |
The Waconia Tree Lighting was an evening of holiday cheer, complete with caroling, hot cocoa, and the magical moment when Santa lit up City Square Park. Thanks to everyone who joined us to kick off the festive season! | |
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Characters
Waconia's Famous Santa
Mark Fredrickson as Papa Elf
Pastor Adam White as Buddy the Elf
Oliver McKeever as The Grinch
Lucy Mueller as Cindy Lou Who
Erin Weppner as Frosty
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Special Thanks
City of Waconia and Kelly Wagener
Waconia Fire Department
Waconia Lions Club
Women of Waconia
Carlson's Llovable Llamas
Cultivate Dance Collaborative
Choir director Aaron Olson and the Waconia High School and Waconia Faith Lutheran Church Choirs
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Sound system: Mike Norrbom
Warm fires: Matt Wentzlaff of True 'N' Fair Tree Care LLC, Waconia Scouts, Brad VanEyll, Clint Fenner, John Sucansky, Dee DeLange, Mike Wickenhauser, Kathryn Schroeder
Volunteers: Jess and Chris Lundgren
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Lake Waconia Fireworks Raffle Winner!
Jennifer Roe was the lucky winner of the Can-Am Outlander 500 ATV with trailer! Thank you to all who supported the Lake Waconia Fireworks. The Lake Waconia Fireworks are completely funded by donations from businesses, organizations, and community members.
Thanks to the Gary Fritz for leading the raffle ticket sales, and the Waconia Fire Relief Association and the Waconia Lions Club for donating the ATV and the Waconia Dandylions for donating the trailer.
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Pictured: Brie Piller and Gary Frtiz drawing a winner | |
Pictured: Gary Fritz and winner Jennifer Roe | |
A Message from the President | |
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Coming Together: The Heart of the Holidays in Waconia
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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As the twinkling lights shine bright in City Square Park after the Old-Fashioned Tree Lighting, we’re reminded of what makes the Waconia area special: our shared traditions, connections, and the care we show one another.
This season, we were inspired by keynote Joe Schmit’s message of choosing a word to live by and how compassion and connection can strengthen our community. Words like kindness, gratitude, or connection can guide us to make a silent impact that can leave a lasting mark on others. Continue Reading...
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2025 Business Benchmarks: Determinants of a Healthy Economy
For the last ten years, the Business Benchmarks report has laid out economic indicators in several categories that best determine a healthy economy and a competitive business climate. Our state has numerous economic strengths including a diverse industry base with businesses of all sizes, a legacy of innovation, hardworking labor force and great natural amenities. When asked why they choose to stay in Minnesota, a strong majority of business leaders say it is because their business was established here. We must honor that legacy and improve our comparative position so businesses can continue to start, grow and thrive in Minnesota. Download the full 2024 Business Benchmarks report.
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Cadence Academy Preschool | |
Primary contact: Madison Wisniewski
(952) 442-8698
240 East Frontage Road, Waconia
director.waconia@cadence-academy.com
cadence-education.com
Welcome to Cadence Academy Preschool, Waconia! Cadence Academy offers childcare for children ages six weeks to five years. If you're looking for infant care, you're in luck—they currently have rare openings in their infant room!
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Carver County Historical Society | |
Primary contact: Wendy Petersen-Biorn
(952) 442-4234
555 West 1st Street, Waconia
wbiorn@carvercountymn.gov
carvercountyhistoricalsociety.org
The Carver County Historical Society kicked off a stunning new exhibit in November titled The Unchosen Ones: Portraits of an American Pastoral by R.J. Kern. This must-see exhibit runs through Jan. 10, 2025.
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Twin Cities Orthopedics - Waconia | |
(952) 314-0781
820 Village Way, Waconia
tcomn.com
Twin Cities Orthopedics has officially expanded in the Waconia community, and their grand opening celebration last month was a fantastic kickoff! The Waconia Chamber is proud to promote this incredible addition in our town; top-tier orthopedic care right here at our doorstep.
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5th Annual Experience the Trades
November 5 marked the 5th Annual 'Experience the Trades' Event: A collaborative initiative between Waconia Chamber of Commerce and Waconia High School - providing students with hands-on exposure to trade careers, interactions with local experts, and insights into the industry's advantages.
Thanks to participating businesses:
Crimson Copper Plumbing, Hoxie Homes & Remodeling, Laketown Electric Corporation, Modern Design Cabinetry, PuroClean of Waconia, Sackett-Waconia, Waconia Dodge, Waconia Public Schools
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17th Annul D.E.A.R. Day
The 17th Annual Divas Enjoying Awesome Retail (D.E.A.R.) Day on Saturday, November 9th was a fun-filled day of shopping, sipping, dining, and scoring great deals across Waconia!
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November Luncheon
Culture First Mindset with Joe Schmit
During the November 21 Chamber Luncheon keynote speaker Joe Schmit delivered an incredible message about making a silent impact—those small, thoughtful actions that leave a lasting mark on others. His words reminded us how compassion and connection can strengthen our community.
Big thanks to Luncheon Sponsor Partners: Newsworthy Communications and Waconia Baseball Association.
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Keep it Local with Waconia Bucks
In 2024, an impressive $60,000 in Waconia Bucks was purchased—dollars that stayed local, supporting our community and businesses!
Purchase Waconia Bucks
Waconia Bucks make a great gift and ensures your dollars stay in Waconia! Bucks are accepted at any Waconia Chamber member business. To order: Call 952-442-5812 or click the link below. Order by December 19 to ensure you have in time for Christmas!
Accept Waconia Bucks at Your Business
Waconia Bucks are just like a personal check except they can not be redeemed for cash by the gift recipient. Click below for printable instructions for your staff.
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Help Us Celebrate Excellence in Our Business Community!
It’s that time of year to recognize the incredible talent, dedication, and leadership that make our business community thrive. The Waconia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Business Excellence Awards are just around the corner, and we need your help!
We invite you to nominate outstanding businesspeople who exemplify excellence in their industry and demonstrate a commitment to our community.
Categories:
- Community Impact Award - creating a significant and positive impact on the community through acts of social responsibility and community service.
- Golden Apple Award - for exceptional efforts in promoting and building business and educational partnerships.
- Business Person/Business of the Year - for leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the business community.
The business excellence awards will be presented at the Waconia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
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We Want to Hear from You! Take Our Annual Survey
Your experience and insights are incredibly valuable to us! As we plan for 2025, we want to ensure that the Waconia Chamber programs, events, and initiatives align with the needs and goals of of your business. That’s why we’re inviting you to take a few moments to complete our Annual Membership Assessment Survey.
What’s in it for you? Your feedback will help to form the future of the Waconia Chamber efforts to enhance current programming and events, and explore new ways to support your business. Whether it’s networking opportunities, community events, workforce development, tourism initiatives, partnerships with schools, this is your chance to let us know what matters most to you.
As a thank you, you'll be entered into a drawing for gift cards, prizes, and Chamber Bucks and tickets to upcoming Chamber events.
Deadline: Please complete the survey by Wednesday, December 11.
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Santa Sightings in Waconia | |
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Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 7 | 8:30AM-11:30PM
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
502 Cherry Dr, Waconia
Stop by SouthPoint Financial Credit Union's Holiday Open House. Bring your camera for a photo with Santa!
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Pet Photos with Santa
Saturday, December 7 | 9AM-12PM
Paws Inn Pet Essentials
120 S Vine St, Waconia
Start the holiday season with a fun gift for yourself! You will receive a USB drive with photos of your pet with Santa! $30 Donation. The first 20 people to arrive will receive a free gift bag of goodies! We will be donating a portion of the proceeds to support the Carver County K9
Fund. Stop by for an unforgettable photo op and to support a great cause!
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Santa in the Taproom
Saturday, December 14 | 3PM-5PM
Waconia Brewing Company
235 W Main St, Waconia
Santa Claus is coming to the Taproom! Enjoy a beverage while the kids take a picture with Santa Claus.
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Santa at Elite
Tuesday, December 17 | 6PM-8PM
Elite Nutrition
36 W Main St, Waconia
Join us at Elite Nutrition for a meet and greet with Santa himself. He will be here from 6pm - 8pm. There will be some crafts to do, while you are here. We also will have the shake/energy bar open if you would like to grab something
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Santa at the Bakery
Saturday, December 21 | 9AM-11AM
Bakery On Main
136 W Main St, Waconia
BOM is excited to welcome Santa back to the bakery. Please call 952-529-0919 during bakery hours to book a time. $30 gets you photos with Santa and a cookie decorating kit to bring home! ** Bring your own camera for the photos!
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Ridgeview to Open Urgent Care in Waconia
Ridgeview will open a new urgent care site in Waconia on Dec. 16, 2024. The service will be located on the lower level of the Ridgeview Professional Building on the Waconia Campus at 560 S. Maple Street, Ste. 30, and becomes Ridgeview’s sixth urgent care location. Urgent care services will be available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed holidays).
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Festival of Lessons and Carols
Friday, December 6 | 7-8:30PM
Crown College
8700 College View Dr, St Bonifacius
Crown College invites you to the 3rd Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols this Friday, December 6, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Enjoy a beautiful evening filled with Scripture readings and festive Christmas music to kick off the holiday season.
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Vintage Holiday Market
Saturday, December 7 | 2-6:00PM
Waconia Brewing Company
255 W Main St, Waconia
Join multiple vendors at Waconia Brewing for a festive shopping experience featuring curated finds from the '50s to Y2K. Whether you're hunting for the perfect gift or treating yourself, there's something for everyone! Free to attend.
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Brass Hat Christmas Movie Bar Now Open
Tues-Thurs: 4-10:00PM
Fri-Sat: 4-12:00AM
Bode Gray's / The Brass Hat
121 1st St W, Waconia
The Brass Hat Christmas Movie Bar is open! We are also partnering with Emagine Waconia Theatre until the end of December. Bring in your Waconia Emagine movie ticket stub and get $5 off your minimum $25 tab. Limit one per visit and must be same day.
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Lola's Lakehouse Jingle Bar Now Open
Open daily
Lola's Lakehouse
318 E Lake St, Waconia
Collect your ugly sweaters, set a date with your most festive friends and prepare for all sorts of cheerful frivolity from craft cocktails and mocktails to festive fare, live music and so much more! Jingle Bar will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Jingle Bar will be open daily through December 31st!
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The Journey to Bethlehem
Sunday, December 8 | 12-2PM
Trinity Waconia
601 E Second St, Waconia
Join us on The Journey to Bethlehem as we take your family back in time for a live, walk-through experience centered around the birth of Christ! Journey through Bethlehem at the time of the census, walk through the streets, experience the shops, spend your denari (but watch out for the tax collectors!), and follow the star to the newborn baby Jesus. You’ll see and even smell what life was like when Jesus was born. Great for all ages. Come to experience a live nativity, crafts, food and fellowship!
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3rd Annual Wrap at the Tap
Sunday, December 8 | 4-7PM
Iron Tap
140 W Main St, Waconia
Please join Henke Hess Financial Group for our 3rd Annual "Wrap at the Tap" event benefitting Toys for Tots. Let us wrap your Christmas gifts while you enjoy a drink and appetizers from the Iron Tap on us! If you are able, please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Limit 5 gifts per person. Register in advance.
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Wake Up with Westview
Wednesday, December 11 | 9-9:45AM
Good Samaritan Society - Westview Acres
433 W 5th St, Waconia
Come and join Westview Acres residents and staff for coffee and doughnuts every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. This morning coffee social is open to seniors and people who live and work in the Waconia community to come enjoy some great conversation and coffee.
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HearingLife Hot Chocolate Open House
Wednesday, December 11 | 10AM-4PM
HearingLife
542 S Elm St, Waconia
Come celebrate the holidays and have some hot chocolate with us! *feel free to bring a friend.* Have your hearing aids cleaned (for hearing aid wearers). Learn about the latest hearing technology. Visit with Erik. Pick up your complimentary HearingLife gift. Event Special: 25% off all accessories *One Day Only.* RSVP by Tuesday December 10, 2024. Please call 888-552-1623 and mention code AGX6-5.
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J. Carver Distillery Holiday Open House & Boutique
Friday, December 13 | 5-8PM
Saturday, December 14 | 12-3PM
J. Carver Distillery
125 1st St W, Waconia
Start your holiday shopping and find the perfect gift for your loved ones while enjoying a delicious J. Carver specialty cocktail during our annual Sip & Shop event at J. Carver Distillery's Holiday Open House & Boutique - a two day event on Friday, December 13th from 5-8:00pm and Saturday, December 14th from 12-3pm. This is a free admission event for attendees +21 and older.
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Waconia Lions Club Military Mailing
Saturday, December 14 | 8:30-10:15AM
Waconia Post Office
208 S Elm St, Waconia
The Waconia Lions Club sponsors an annual project that pays the postage for Holiday mailings to military personnel deployed overseas.
Please follow these rules for your package:
- Packages must be addressed to an APO or FPO.
- Please use the Flat Rate boxes available from the US Post Office.
- Please have the required Customs Form completed for each package.
- Packages can be dropped off at the Waconia Post Office during this event.
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Grinch Brunch with Kid Mosa Bar
Sunday, December 15 | 10AM-1PM
Bode Gray's
125 1st St W, Waconia
Join us and our special guest the grinch for a grinch brunch with a kid mosa bar. Limited seating so get a reservation early. The grinch will be there from 10am-1pm.
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Dawson & Associates Toys for Tots Drop-Site
Thru December 17 | 8:00AM-4:30PM
Dawson & Associates
300 E Frontage Rd, Waconia
Join us in creating a joyful holiday experience for all children! Our Waconia office is a designated drop-off site for the Twin Cities Toys for Tots Toy Drive. From now until December 17th, please drop off new, unwrapped toys for children 0-15 years old in our collection box. No plush toys please. We appreciate your support this holiday season.
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Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive
Tuesday, December 17 | 8:00AM-1:00PM
Safari Island Community Center
1600 Community Dr, Waconia
Friday, January 3 | 8:00AM-1:00PM
Ridgeview
500 S Maple St, Waconia
Memorial Blood Centers has announced an emergency plea for blood donors in anticipation of a potentially dangerous drop in blood donations ahead of the holiday season. Potential donors can visit mbc.org to make an appointment at a donation location nearest them. If you’re able to host a blood drive, please let me know. We’d love to partner with you, and we strive to make the process as seamless as possible.
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Paul Ericsson Retirement Party
Tuesday, December 17 | 4-6:00PM
Waconia Public Library
217 S Vine St, Waconia
Paul Ericsson is retiring after 10 years of service as the Western Branch Manager for Carver County Library and many more years of library work in Minnesota and the United States. Please help us celebrate at an Open House in his honor on December 17 , 4-6 pm at the Waconia Library.
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Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Thursday, December 19 | 3:30-7:30PM
Chanhassen High School Rm S102
2200 Lyman Blvd, Chanhassen
FREE- Open to all families/parents and district staff Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.
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The Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights
at The Winery at Sovereign Estate
Thru December 29
The Winery at Sovereign Estate
9950 North Shore Rd, Waconia
The Winery at Sovereign Estate invites you to light-up the season with our Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights from November 22nd - December 29th. The Estate is transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland, with over twenty miles of musical synchronized lights strung over 20 acres of our lakeshore property. We are also excited to introduce the enchanting Nutcracker Suite, a festive holiday cocktail bar nestled within the winery for guests 21 and older with admission to the Spirit of Winter. Come and experience a whimsical journey as you step into a beautifully decorated Christmas lounge, featuring an array of custom seasonal cocktails such as the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy Martini and the creatively named "Nutcracker."
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Very Vineyard Christmas at Schram Vineyards
Thru December 31
Schram Vineyards
8785 Airport Rd, Waconia
We have jolly vibes, libations and entertainment to make your spirits bright this holiday season!
- Decked out Tasting Room and Barrel Room
- "Merry Hour" drink specials Tue-Fri from open until 6pm on wine, beer, themed cocktails
- Live Music every Friday 6-9pm and Saturdays 4-7pm the month of December
- New Winter Food Menu from our Perfect Pairings Kitchen.
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The Unchosen Ones: Portraits of an American Pastoral
Thru January 10
Carver County Historical Society
55 W 1st Street, Waconia
The Unchosen Ones: Portraits of an American Pastoral, features photographs by artist R. J. Kern of kids and teens at county fairs across Minnesota, selecting those who had not won ribbons. Each fair contestant is photographed with their hardworking show animal. The initial photographs are from 2016 and then he returned to the participants and their current show animal in 2020.
Join us to see these stunning photographs and learn more about the participants in this exhibition. Admission is free.
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Review Your Member Profile
As a member of the Waconia Chamber, your business is listed on DestinationWaconia.org and will be in the NEW Waconia Membership & Visitors Directory. Please take a moment to review your member profile to ensure all your business information is up-to-date. This will ensure accurate representation in both the print and online versions of the directory.
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Waconia Chamber Holiday Social
Tuesday, December 10 | 5-8:00PM
Garage Bar & Bowl
16 W 1st St, Waconia
Join us for a Jersey-Themed Holiday Social hosted by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce! Come dressed in your favorite team jersey and get ready for an evening of holiday cheer, great food, drinks, and sports fan fun! There will be prizes for the best jerseys and exciting games to enjoy.
For those up for a challenge, we’re offering a special Battle of the Business Bowling option! Gather your coworkers and see who will claim the victory on the lanes. Guests/spouses are welcome and encouraged to join the fun too!
All are welcome! (Significant others & friends too)
Jersey-themed (optional)
RSVP by end of day TODAY | Friday, December 6
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Chamber Calendar - December 2024 | |
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DECEMBER 10 Tourism Meeting 9-10:00AM @Waconia Brewing Company
DECEMBER 10 Holiday Social, 5-8PM @The Garage Bar & Bowl
DECEMBER 19 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Waconia Chamber Office
DECEMBER 24-27 Chamber Office Closed
JANUARY 1 Chamber Office Closed
JANUARY 23 Save the Date! Annual Meeting and Business Excellence Awards
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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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