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Waconia Fireworks
Friday, July 3, 2026 | Dusk
Sovereign Estate Winery will continue the local tradition of the Waconia Fireworks Festival with a show on Friday, July 3. Watch the show at Sovereign Estate Winery (ticketed event), on Lake Waconia, Green Fox Grille, Lake Waconia Regional Park.
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The 20th Annual Waconia Open
We're continuing the celebration of 250 years at the upcoming 20th Annual Waconia Open on Monday, July 13. The silent auction is coming soon!
We're still accepting prize donations. Thank you for your considerations. Questions? Please email: emckeever@destinationwaconia.org.
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| Check out our theme preview video. | | |
Chamber Booth at the Carver County Fair
The Carver County Fair kicks off on August 6 and the Waconia Chamber will once again host a booth in the Carver County Commons building. The booth is staffed by chamber members and is a member benefit for you to utilize and promote your business. The schedule sign-up is open now! Click below to sign up.
| | | A Message from the President | | |
Summer in Waconia is the Best!
Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
Happy July! Summer is in full swing, and there’s so much happening in our community. We’re excited for all that’s ahead!
First, a quick note on the fireworks- yes, they’re on! Sovereign Estate Winery is continuing the tradition on Friday, July 3, with a beautiful evening by the lake. The ongoing loyalty from business and organization sponsors, tireless volunteers, emergency responders, and community supporters who have created decades of Lake Waconia fireworks will continue. Thank you for your patience as we've navigated this transition. More details are available on the Lake Waconia Fireworks social page.
Coming up on July 13, we tee off at the 20th Annual Waconia Open, with the theme of Stars, Stripes & Birdies. This is one of our favorite Chamber fundraisers of the year, and it directly supports our work in the community. If you'd like to donate a prize for the silent auction, we'd love to hear from you!
We're also very excited to share that our team has expanded! We’ll be doing a formal introduction soon, so stay tuned.
And speaking of things to watch for, keep an eye out in the coming days for the next episode of Destination Waconia, highlighting Kim Mackenthun.
Looking ahead to next month, we're excited to welcome an outstanding motivational speaker to our August Luncheon on the 27th at Schram Vineyards. Erik Therwanger of Think GREAT is joining us, and I can't wait for you to experience his energy and meaningful message. Mark your calendars, you won't want to miss this one!
There's always something happening, always someone to connect with, and always a reason to show up. Summer in Waconia is the best.
We hope to see you soon!
-Christine
| | Legislative News & Resources | | |
Minnesota Chamber Statewide Survey
We are conducting a statewide survey of business executives in Minnesota on behalf of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. We are reaching out to business executives like you as part of an effort to gain insights from those in the business community on issues facing the state.
We ask that you take a few minutes to answer some questions, and your responses will be included in the results of a statewide survey of hundreds of businesses across Minnesota. Please know that your responses will be kept strictly confidential. This survey is NOT for marketing purposes – we are not attempting to sell anything. This is for research purposes only, conducted by a national research firm – Dynata.
Please click on the link below to access the survey. If the link does not work, please try copying and pasting the URL into your browser. https://engage.dynata.com/r/NuSTcO
If you have any questions about this survey, please contact me at jenn@surveyfollowup.com.
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Minnesota Chamber Business Education Network Recap
On Monday, Chamber President Christine Fenner, joined fellow chamber and workforce development professionals at Dem-Con in Shakopee for a Business Education Network gathering, and returned back with several new ideas.
The day included a tour of Dem-Con's facility, a look at Greater Mankato Growth's model for building education partnerships, and a Fargo-Moorhead presentation on funding strategies that are working in other communities. Overall, it was an opportunitiy to learn from other chamber peers on strategies, alignment, and partnerships that could be brought back to the Waconia community.
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce has been a long-standing member of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Business Education Network, with the mission of finding skilled, qualified and ready workers for jobs available in our community.
| | Save the Dates! More details coming soon | | |
Lunch & Learn: The Power of Chamber Partnerships
with speaker Christine Fenner
Monday, August 3 | 12PM
Minneapolis Mart
Your business doesn't operate in a vacuum and neither should your network! Join us during lunch for a practical conversation on how local chambers of commerce help build stronger businesses, make valuable connections, and facilitate engagement in the community.
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Business Education Network Happy Hour
Tuesday, August 27 | 3:30-5PM
Schram Vineyards
You're Invited! Join us as we plan the Business Education Network's 2026–2027 calendar of events. We’d welcome your input on programming (what's worked and what could be adjusted) and help plan another year of connecting Waconia students with local employers.
| | Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings | | |
Primary contact: Kelly Hayes Erickson
(612) 619-5560
carriagehousestudiomn.com
hello@carriagehousestudiomn.com
Welcome to the Waconia Chamber Carriage House! A custom interior design and furnishing service, Carriage House creates beautiful, functional spaces that help clients love where they live.
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| Awaken Aesthetics & Wellness | |
Primary contact: Quincee MacGibbon
(612) 322-5774
7924 Victoria Drive #201, Victoria
awakenaestheticsandwellness.com
awaken.aestheticsandwellness@gmail.com
The Chamber Ambsasadors had an opportunity to see Awaken Aesthetics & Wellness's beautiful space in Victoria and learn all about the services they offer. Run by a board certified nurse practitioner, Awaken Aesthetics believes in enhancing your natural beauty and overall well-being.
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We appreciate your support!
Thank you to all of our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber. We appreciate your support!
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Deardorff Orchards & Vineyards DHA CPAs
Dostal CPA Tax & Consulting
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Greystone Construction
IV Minnesota
MinneGlass
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Pioneer Storage and Rental
Sign Gypsies Waconia
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June Luncheon Recap
Agritourism: A Local Farm to Table Experience
Our June Chamber Luncheon, highlighting agritourism, had a tremendous turnout on Thursday, June 25! Thank you to everyone who joined us for engaging discussions and valuable learning at our interactive stations, where we explored local foods and wine.
A huge thank you to Parley Lake Winery for hosting us in their incredible space and for sharing their products and expertise.
Thank you also to Bear Country Blooms & Bakery, Deardorff Orchards and Vineyards, The Grater Good, and Havenwood Meats for showcasing their businesses and delicious products.
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New Board Members
Two new members to the Waconia Chamber Board of Directors were installed during the June Chamber Luncheon. Welcome to the board of directors: Lisa Moe, Wilford, and Eleece Pink, The Stash.
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First Responders Appreciation Night at Waconia Lions Field
It was a perfect night for baseball at the First Responders Appreciation Night on Sunday, June 28 at Waconia Lions Field! We’re grateful for the service and dedication the first responders of the Carver County Sheriff's Office, Ridgeview Ambulance, and Waconia Fire Department provide to our community.
The evening featured first pitches thrown by Drew Gulden, Waconia Fire Department and Lt. Tyler Stahn, Carver County Sheriff's Office.
Also, thanks to Comcast for sponsoring this family-friendly evening! The Waconia Chamber was proud to partner with Waconia Baseball Association for this event.
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Taste of Waconia
Monday, July 6 | 11:30AM
Island View Golf Glub
7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia
Island View Golf Club will host the inaugural “Taste of Waconia” on Monday, July 6, featuring a 1 p.m. golf scramble paired with a unique on-course tasting experience highlighting local restaurants, breweries, and wineries. Guests will enjoy samples from a variety of Waconia-area favorites throughout the 18-hole course, followed by live music on the deck from Traveled Ground. The event also supports Island View’s Junior Golf Program, with all proceeds benefiting youth golf initiatives. Registration is open through July 2.
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HomeTown Bank Night at the Ballpark
Tuesday, July 7 | 7:30AM
Waconia Lions Field
927 Wildcat Wy, Waconia
HomeTown Bank Night at the Ballpark is back! Join us on as the Waconia Lakers take on the Burnsville Bobcats at Waconia Lions Field.
Admission is FREE with a food shelf donation—consider bringing your kids' favorite snack to help another local family this summer. In addition to an exciting game, enjoy Chuck-a-Ball benefiting the Waconia Baseball Association, fun games for the kids, trivia, giveaways, and a great evening out with family and friends. If you haven't experienced a game at Lions Field yet, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy one of Waconia's favorite summer traditions. We hope to see you at the ballpark!
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Handicrafts: First Sewing Machine Project
July 8-9
Historic Andrew Peterson Farmstead
8060 MN-5, Waconia
Join us for the next exciting level in learning how to sew! During this two day camp, we’ll learn about cutting out patterns, piecing together fabric, and then sewing the project together using a sewing machine. All materials will be provided for campers to complete their project during the camp. This camp is for kids grades 3-6! Ten seats available. Camp will take place at the Historic Andrew Peterson Farmstead.
Learn How: Replacing a Broken Zipper
Tuesday, July 14 | 1-3:00PM
Historic Andrew Peterson Farmstead
8060 MN-5, Waconia
Is your favorite coat or pair of pants needing a new zipper? We’ve got you! This class is for you. Join us to learn how to replace a zipper or how add a zipper to your project. This class is for anyone 10 and up who has or can borrow a sewing machine and has basic knowledge of its operation. Space is limited to 10 people.
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The Waconia Farmers Market
Thursday, July 9 | 4:00PM-7:00PM
Downtown Waconia
224 W 1st St, Waconia
Shop local at the Waconia Farmers Market! From farm-fresh produce and delicious baked goods to handcrafted gifts and beautiful flowers, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Gather your family and friends for a fun evening of shopping, exploring, and supporting the local vendors who make our community so special! The market runs Thursdays throughout the summer from 4:00-7:00PM.
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Summer Music Series
Thursday, July 9 | 6:30PM-8:30PM
Downtown Waconia - Mainstreet between Vine & Olive
Join us in downtown Waconia for Music in the Streets, our free street concert series that will have you dancing through the summer! Hosted by the City of Waconia and supported via various sponsors, these Thursday evening concerts are the perfect way to enjoy great music, good company, and the vibrant energy of Downtown Waconia—all while supporting downtown local businesses and excellent musical talent! Bring your family and friends and listen to the Emerson Avenue Band July 9th!
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ArtStock: Art, Wine & Music Festival
July 11-12 | 11:00AM-5:00PM
Parley Lake Winery
8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia
ArtStock: Art, Wine, and Music Festival returns to Parley Lake Winery on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days. This beloved annual arts festival features fine art and handcrafted work from over 50 talented local and regional artists. Enjoy live music both days, and spend a relaxing afternoon in the most beautiful vineyard setting. Parley Lake Winery, 8280 Parley Lake Road, Waconia.
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Football Rental Available at Hustle & Heart Sports
Begins Wednesday, July 15
Football helmet/pad rentals will begin Wednesday, July 15 - no earlier. Now opening at 8:00! See you then!
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Sip, Shop & Stroll
Thursday, July 23
10:00AM- 7:00PM
Come join us for a fun day of shopping, sipping, and strolling around beautiful downtown Waconia! During this event grab a drink, take a leisurely stroll, and support small businesses in the area while collecting swag at each participating business (over $150 value). Whether you're looking for gifts or treating yourself, you're sure to find something special during this event. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy a day out in Waconia!
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Get on the Lake with Never Bored Adventures
Summer paddle classes are available! Below are dates and times of classes with seven options for youth classes, 12 options for group kayak classes, and 8 options for Coney Island paddle and hike. Reserve your spot at neverboredadventures.com.
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Free Workplace Wellness Consulting Available
Supporting employee wellbeing is more important than ever. Through a partnership with the Carver County Public Health Department and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), local businesses can access free workplace wellness consulting services designed to strengthen employee wellbeing, engagement, and workplace culture.
Whether your organization is just getting started or looking to enhance an existing wellness program, consulting services can help with organizational assessments, wellness committee development, goal setting, action planning, program branding, and leadership engagement.
These services are available to any interested business located in Carver County. To learn more, contact Kris Keykal, SHIP Workplace Wellness Consultant, at kkeykal@advantagehealth.com
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Join the Nickle Dickle Day Chamber Planning Committee
Join the Nickle Dickle Day Planning Committee! Help plan one of Waconia’s biggest events by supporting the pop booth, arts & crafts fair, and street dance. It’s a great way to get involved, share ideas, and help bring this longtime community tradition to life each fall.
Interested in joining? Reach out to Christine at cfenner@destinationwaconia.org
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Post your jobs on DestinationWaconia.org
and the Waconia Works Facebook Page.
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August Luncheon
Thursday, August 27| 11:30AM-1:00PM
Schram Vineyards
8785 Airport Rd, Waconia
We're excited to welcome Erik Therwanger of Think GREAT to the upcoming August Luncheon! A U.S. Marine veteran, executive leader, and dynamic speaker, Erik helps business leaders elevate their leadership, planning, and sales. Watch for event details — you won't want to miss this one.
Deadline to register: Monday, August 24
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📢 Please note that our office will be closed on July 3 in observance of the holiday. We wish everyone a safe and happy July 4th!
| | Chamber Calendar - July 2026 | | |
JULY 13 Waconia Open Golf Tournament @Island View Golf Club
JULY 16 Ambassadors, 8:45AM-10:30AM @Chamber Office
JULY 23 Sip, Shop & Stroll Waconia, 10AM-7PM
JULY 28 Waconia Young Professionals, 3:30PM-5:00PM
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STAY CONNECTED
@DestinationWaconia
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