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Waconia First Responder Appreciation Night

Presented by Comcast, in partnership with Waconia Chamber of Commerce & Waconia Baseball Association

Sunday, June 28 | 6:00PM

Waconia Lions Field

927 Wildcat Way, Waconia

Join the Waconia Lakers, Comcast, and the Waconia Chamber of Commerce for First Responder Appreciation Night as we recognize and celebrate the dedicated first responders who serve our community. This family-friendly evening will honor local fire, EMS, and law enforcement personnel while bringing the community together for a night of baseball, appreciation, and fun.

A Message from the President

Waconia Fireworks & Summer Fun



Christine Fenner

President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce

Waconia Fireworks - The Lake Waconia Fireworks are on this year, and we understand there are some questions and uncertainty surrounding the event.

After organizing the Lake Waconia fireworks display for more than 30 years, the Waconia Chamber of Commerce has announced that Sovereign Estate Winery will now organize this community-loved tradition. As with any transition, there are logistics, coordination efforts, and behind-the-scenes planning required to ensure the event continues smoothly without losing the spirit and community focus it has long been known for. We appreciate the community’s interest and will help to share additional details, updates, and information as they become available. 

In the meantime, check out our summer calendar of exciting events!

-Christine 

Waconia Summer Events Calendar

Mark your calendars for these fun events happening in Waconia this year! For more events and details, visit DestinationWaconia.org.

🐎Waconia Rodeo 2026

☀️The City of Waconia's Summer Music Series

If you have an upcoming event, add it to the Community Calendar. Click for instructions to add your event.



Legislative News & Resources

Statewide Policy Tour - Bongards Creameries



The conversation continued the next day at the tour’s next stop at Bongards Creameries in Chanhassen. Waconia Board Director and Chief Revenue Officer of Bongards, Scott Tomes, is instrumental in leading discussion topics critical to agriculture and manufacturing needs of Minnesota businesses.

The Chamber's policy experts broke down what passed, what didn’t, and what it means for Minnesota’s and your business. Key priorities for the business community included the passage of a responsible budget, taxes, environmental permitting reform and modifications to workplace mandates, among other issues.

Welcome New Members

Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings

Member Renewal

We appreciate your support!

Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber. We appreciate your support!

Assured Cleaning Services

KinnRidge Mobile Phlebotomy

Magnolia North

Brush Dental Studio

Candie Clouds

Milestones to Celebrate

Congratulations on your milestone! Wishing you continued success.

Celebrating 3 years!

Do you have a milestone coming up? Let us know - we'd love to celebrate you in the next newsletter! Email cfenner@destinationwaconia.org

More Chamber News

Congrats to the Class of 2026 and the WHS Chamber Scholarship Winners



We’re proud to announce the 2026 Waconia Chamber of Commerce $1,000 scholarship recipients — Jonathan Phenix, Oliver Lyons, Kate Meath, and Dominic Winnie!

Chosen from more than 40 applicants, these students demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and community service. Their scholarship submissions featured impressive business ideas ranging from a nursing home facility and physical therapy clinic to a sustainable landscaping company and an electric company.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients! We hope to see many of this year’s applicants return to Waconia as future business leaders.

Congratulations to the scholarship recipients and the entire Class of 2026!

May Luncheon Recap

Putting AI to Work for You



Thanks to everyone who joined us for the May Chamber Luncheon at Island View Golf Club on the topic: Putting AI to Work for You. Bill Stineman, Managing Director of Buoy Project Partners addressed how AI can streamline everyday workflows and productivity.

Member News & Happenings

Waconia Rodeo this Weekend!

June 5-6 | 7:00PM & June 7 | 5:00PM

Carver County Fairgrounds

501 West 3rd Street, Waconia

Sunday, June 7 | Pancake Breakfast | 8:30-10:00AM

Cowboy Church | 10:00AM

Carver County Fairgrounds

The Waconia Rodeo is happening this weekend at the Carver County Fairgrounds, bringing with it three nights of action-packed rodeo entertainment. Fans can look forward to bull riding, barrel racing, roping events, and more as top riders compete in a high-energy showcase of western sport. It’s a fun, family-friendly summer tradition right in Waconia—don’t miss it!

A Friendly Reminder to Business Owners

Let's do our best to leave the downtown parking for local shoppers. The walk is good for us! It makes a real difference for the people coming to shop, dine, and visit. Downtown Waconia offers 90-minute parking, so let's make sure those spots are available for the customers we're here to serve.

Urgent Community Need: Blood Emergency Declared

Memorial Blood Centers has declared a blood emergency as supplies across the region have fallen to critically low levels — with less than a two-day supply overall and under one day for type O blood.

As hospitals enter the busy summer trauma season, the need for blood donations is especially urgent. Blood donation is one of the simplest and most impactful ways individuals can support emergency preparedness and patient care in our communities.

Community members are encouraged to schedule a donation appointment today by visiting mbc.org or calling 1-888-448-3253. Every donation can help save lives.

Open House Presentation

801 Highway 284 Small Area Plan

Thank you to everyone who attended the recent Open House. Attached are the presentation boards provided by the project consultants for those who would like to review the information or were unable to attend. Community members with questions or comments are encouraged to contact the project team directly.

Ridgeview Names Ben Nielsen as New President & CEO

Congratulations to Ben Nielsen on being named the next President and CEO of Ridgeview. Nielsen, who has served in several leadership roles with Ridgeview over the past 16 years, will officially assume the role on June 14, succeeding longtime President and CEO Mike Phelps following his retirement at the end of 2026.

The Ridgeview Board of Directors cited Nielsen’s strong leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to Ridgeview’s mission, culture, and independence as key factors in the decision. Ridgeview looks forward to continuing its tradition of exceptional, community-centered health care under Nielsen’s leadership.

Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Lakeview Clinic is proud to recognize Deb Fillbrandt on her remarkable 50-year work anniversary. Since joining the clinic in 1976, Deb has served in a variety of roles and has become a valued colleague known for her dedication, professionalism, and kindness. Her commitment to excellence and quality has made a lasting impact on Lakeview Clinic and the community it serves. Congratulations, Deb, on this incredible milestone, and thank you for 50 years of outstanding service!

Registration Now Open for Summer Music Lessons!

Waconia Music Studios is excited to offer summer music lessons for new students, perfect for anyone looking to grow their skills, try something new, or keep learning over the summer! For more details or to register, email info@waconiamusicstudios.com or call 952-679-3953.

We’re also making it easier than ever to get started with music through our rent-to-own band instrument program, featuring low monthly payments, great discounts, and flexible options for families.

Now Booking Summer Photo Sessions

Lynn Laumann Photography is now booking summer family and high school senior photo sessions. With morning, evening, and weekend outdoor session availability, now is the perfect time to capture meaningful family memories or schedule senior photos before yearbook deadlines this fall.

Waconia High School juniors and families looking for fun, connection-focused outdoor photography sessions are encouraged to reserve their spot soon.

For more information or to book a session, email lynnlaumann@gmail.com or visit her website for more details.

Registration Open for Summer Swimming Lessons

June 8 - July 1 (Monday/Wednesday from 5-8PM)

June 9 - July 2 (Tuesday/Thursday from 9AM-12PM)

Make a splash this summer at Safari Island Community Center! Summer Swimming Lessons are the perfect way for kids to build confidence, learn essential water safety skills, and have fun in the pool. Choose the schedule that works best for you! There are 8 classes in each session. Pricing is $96 for members and $106 for non-members.

Grand Opening Weekend of Bonfire & Barrel

June 5 & 6 | 12:00PM - 10:00PM

Schram Vineyards

8785 Airport Rd, Waconia

We’re celebrating big this weekend with the official summer opening of Bonfire & Barrel and our brand-new deck space! Enjoy live music, featured drinks, great food, lawn games, and plenty of ways to relax and stay awhile. We’ll also be debuting our new Summer Passport, with a chance to win a wine barrel or a VIP Schram Vineyards experience.

Join us for a full weekend of festivities—including live music, a cigar bar, complimentary sparkling toast, surprise and delight moments, and all-day lawn games. Cheers to summer nights ahead!

Eat Local, Support Literacy

June 6-September 26

Support local literacy while enjoying delicious local food! From June 6 through September 26, Joyful Garden will donate 10% of all sales to Lakeside Books to help fund the launch and renovation of Waconia's nonprofit bookstore. Every order helps support the creation of a welcoming community space dedicated to books, learning, and connection. Every order helps support the future home of Lakeside Books.

Fundraising Happy Hour for Lakeside Books

Tuesday, June 9 | 3:30PM-5:30PM

The Garage Bar & Bowl

16 W 1st St, Waconia

Join Lakeside Books for a Fundraising Happy Hour at The Garage Bar & Bowl and help support Waconia's future nonprofit bookstore. Enjoy food, drinks, and community while a portion of event sales goes directly toward renovation and startup efforts. It's a fun way to support a meaningful addition to our community.

HomeTown Bank Block Party

Friday, June 12 | 4:00PM-7:00PM

HomeTown Bank

641 Marketplace Drive, Waconia

Dust off your bell bottoms and get ready to boogie! Our annual Block Party is back with a groovy '70s theme, featuring live music from Where's Karl?, bounce houses, face painting, kids activities, local food vendors, and more. Best of all, all proceeds benefit Backyard Wishes.

Local businesses are invited to participate through a $100 sponsorship, with 100% of donations going directly to Backyard Wishes. Sponsors can also include a promotional item, coupon, or business card in grab bags distributed to the first 300 families and will receive a social media shoutout. To participate, make checks payable to Backyard Wishes and drop off your donation and grab bag item at HomeTown Bank Waconia by June 5. We'd love to have you involved in supporting this great cause!

Carver County Petting Zoo at Mackenthun's Waconia

Friday, June 12 | 3:30PM-6:00PM

Mackenthun's Waconia

851 Marketplace Drive, Waconia

Bring the family out to Mackenthun’s Fine Foods in Waconia for a special visit from the Carver County Petting Zoo! This fun community event will take place at the Waconia location only and is sure to be a hit with kids and animal lovers!

Crusher's Summer Youth Program

June 15th - August 14th

Monday | Wednesday | Friday

This program is offering young athletes a fun and supportive way to build strength, confidence, and overall athletic ability. This program focuses on developing well-rounded fitness across key areas like endurance, strength, agility, and coordination, while helping prevent overuse injuries. With small class sizes and experienced coaches, each child receives personalized attention to ensure safe movement and steady progress.

Register today to secure your spot, and contact Geo with any questions.

Missions Yard Sale

June 17-20

Parkside Church

9560 Paradise Lane, Waconia

Join us for four days of bargain hunting, hidden treasures, and community fun. Every purchase helps support Parkside's Mexico Missions Team as they prepare to build a home in Ensenada, Mexico, this summer. Any remaining proceeds are then shared with Parkside's International Workers and their families, helping extend support around the world.

Kid Ventures

July 13-16 | 9:00-11:30AM

Parkside Church

9560 Paradise Ln, Waconia

You are invited to Parkside’s Kid Ventures! Kid Ventures is open to kids ages 4 through 5th grade (Fall 2026) and is a Bible-rich program grounded in a hands-on, multi-sensory learning experience that kids will be talking about for years to come!

Juneteenth Worship in the Park

Sunday, June 14 | 10:00AM

Join the community for a special Juneteenth Worship in the Park service as we remember our past, celebrate freedom, and look toward the future with hope. All are welcome to attend this meaningful time of worship and reflection.

2026 All Industry Forum

Tuesday, June 16 | 8:30AM-1:00PM

Dakota County Northern Service Center,

1 Mendota Road W., West St. Paul

Join industry leaders, employers, educators, and workforce professionals for the 2026 All-Industry Forum. Attendees will hear from experts on Minnesota's population, education, and economic trends, learn about updates to the Dual Training Pipeline program, and gain insights from employers implementing successful earn-and-learn initiatives. The event also offers opportunities for networking and collaboration across industries. RSVP by June 2.

Ridgeview Foundation's Groovin' on the Green

June 28-29

Join Ridgeview Foundation for Groovin’ on the Green, a two-day fundraising event on June 28–29 supporting Ridgeview Ambulance Services and helping keep expert emergency care close to home. The weekend kicks off June 28 at Sovereign Estate Winery with a family-friendly outdoor concert featuring food trucks, activities, fireworks over Lake Waconia, and live music from XPEDITION performing hits from Journey, Foreigner, Kansas, STYX and more. On June 29, golf enthusiasts can tee off at Island View Golf Club for a day of golf, camaraderie, and community impact with tournament packages and fun on-course contests.

ArtStock: Art, Wine & Music Festival Celebrating 15 Years!

July 11-12 | 11:00AM-5:00PM

Parley Lake Winery

8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia

ArtStock is a beloved two-day summer festival celebrating art, music, and community at Parley Lake Winery. Hosted by the Arts Consortium of Carver County, this juried art show features a wide variety of talented artists showcasing photography, sculpture, painting, wearable art, glass, fibers, and more. Enjoy live music throughout the weekend while taking in the beautiful vineyard setting for a fun and creative experience for all ages.

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.  

Post your jobs on DestinationWaconia.org

and the Waconia Works Facebook Page.

The 20th Annual Waconia Open is set for Monday, July 13!

We need volunteers to make this event a success. We'd love for you to join us! We're also accepting donations to our Silent Auction. Thank you for your consideration.Questions? Please email: cfenner@destinationwaconia.org

Chamber Luncheon

June Luncheon

Agritourism: A Local Farm to Table Experience

Thursday, June 25 | 11:30AM-1:00PM

Parley Lake Winery

8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia

Our next Luncheon is Thursday, June 25, at Parley Lake Winery 

Join us for a unique luncheon that celebrates the intersection of agriculture, tourism, and community. This month, we’re exploring how local experiences like wineries, creameries, farm visits, and more help drive tourism and economic growth here. This interactive experience will showcase local apples, wine, cheese, meat, and bread while giving attendees a chance to connect with familiar makers and enjoy some of the region’s best flavors together.

A can’t-miss opportunity to taste, learn, and connect!

Deadline to register: Monday, June 22

📢 Please note that our offices will be closed on June 19 and July 3 in observance of the holidays. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!

Chamber Calendar - June 2026

JUNE 9 Tourism Committee, 9:00-10:00AM @Parley Lake Winery

JUNE 11 Retail Committee, 9:00-10AM @Shape It Up Fitness & Athleisure Boutique

JUNE 18 Ambassadors, 8:45AM-10:30AM @Chamber Office

JUNE 25 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Parley Lake Winery

JUNE 30 Waconia Young Professionals, 3:30PM-5:00PM @Island View Golf Club

STAY CONNECTED

@DestinationWaconia