Tour the Scarecrows of Waconia!
October 11-21

Over 50 scarecrows will take over Waconia starting next week! We can't wait to see
The Mad Mechanic, I am Groot beer, Moaning Lisa, Not all who wander are lost, The Big Cheese, Bones & Bonfires and so many more! Check back next week for the map!
Welcome New Chamber Members:
Domino's
Richard Dupont

232 W 1st St
Waconia, MN 55387
952-442-9780
Restaurant
K & B Fish Company
Brian Curtis

44 W 1st St
Waconia, MN 55387
952-923-1830
Sushi Bar

On death and retirement...




by Kellie Sites, Waconia Chamber President
Last weekend my family and I drove to Buffalo, NY for a funeral of our close friend, Paul. He was 59. He had just visited us in Waconia in July and had recently relocated from Seattle to Columbus, OH to help move his mother into a memory care facility. He had his own wealth management business. He was single. He was riding his bike, seemingly very healthy and active, but had a heart “episode.” His death was a shock to us and to his other friends and family.   At the intimate ceremony in the chapel at the cemetery, there were speeches from his friends and family, as well as violin pieces played by his cousin. Paul was also an accomplished violin player. His death was not planned. Click here to read more...
Policy tour, grassroots at foundation of Minnesota Chamber advocacy



by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
Speaking with a single voice is at the heart of the statewide business community’s success at the Capitol. The Minnesota Chamber is proud to lead that conversation in conjunction with our 2,300 members and our local chamber partners. We are well underway in shaping our agenda for the 2019 Legislature, which convenes Jan. 8.

The Minnesota Chamber represents companies of all sizes and types across the state. Our common goal is to advance and enact public policy that will help grow all our businesses and the overall state economy.
Ambassador Visit
Culver's

Primary Contact: Mark & Cindy Omann,
co-owners
10710 W 10th Street, Waconia
952-442-4471

Owners Mark and Cindy Omann are glad to be in Waconia! For several years they have been thinking about it, so when the opportunity came around, they said yes.  We are so glad they are here!  As community players, they are engaged and generous.  Mark is proud of his team and the level of customer service that they offer. Along with the famous butter burger and custard… they offer so much more. Try the NEW flavor of the day, Peanut Butter Salted Caramel starting on October 10 th . Make sure you stop in and say Hi when you’re getting your next meal there. Welcome to Waconia and the Waconia Chamber!
Ribbon Cutting
K & B Fish Co.

Primary Contact: Brian Curtis, co-owners
44 W 1st Street, Waconia
952-923-1830

Brian Curtis is actually “living his dream!” With a culinary background, Brian has been making sushi for years at home parties. After having so many people encourage him to open a restaurant, he actually did it. You might also know Brian as a Redwing Pottery and antique aficionado from Laketown Antiques – which is evident from the décor inside K & B Fish Co.  There’s a story behind the décor -  ask about Gill the giant Tarpon on the wall. His business partner, Kyle Nebben, is a familiar face to many as an excellent bartender who is the king of great customer service. He is excited to be a partner in this exciting endeavor. We are thrilled to have this new food & beverage addition in downtown Waconia and are happy to welcome K & B Fish Co to Waconia and the Waconia Chamber!
Member News and Happenings
Nickle Dickle Day Shirts for Sale!
Mackenthun's Fine Foods-851 Market Place Dr, Waconia

It's not too late to get your Nickle Dickle Day t-shirt. These long sleeve, hoodie t-shirts are soft and comfortable. Get it in the floral & gift department at Mackenthun's and wear it proudly!
Apples & Vines Release
Friday, October 5 Noon-6PM
Parley Lake Winery-8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia

The wait is over! 2017 Apples & Vines is available by the bottle in the Tasting Room starting Friday, October 5th. This wine is crisp and clean with notes of apple, pear, and tropical fruit. Made with their own Sweet Tango apples. Limited quantities available.
Hours at Winery: Friday-Sunday Noon-6:00PM
Apples & Vines can also be found at Legacy Wine & Spirits-724 Vista Blvd, Waconia
Fall Family Portrait Special
October 1 -November 15
Taylor Hubbard Photography-44 W 1st St, Waconia

Consider the rich colors of autumn as the backdrop to your next family portrait. Special includes choice of studio or woods session, an 8x10 finished portrait, 25 holiday cards and special pricing on additional portraits. Call 952-442-2711 or [email protected]
$199 (Saturday Session) $149 (Weekday Session)
Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 6 10:30AM-Midnight
Carver County Fairgrounds-501 W 3rd St, Waconia

Hey everybody it’s that time a year again! Waconia's Oktoberfest will be back October 6th at the Carver County Fairgrounds grounds. Live polka music, German food,beer and liquor, Hammerschlagen, games and contests, 5K and kids fun run, car show roll-in, and much more! Put on your lederhosen and your dirndles and come have a great day full of fun and adventure! 

Tickets available at Longhorns in Lester Prairis, Hoppers in Waconia and on Facebook at... Waconia's Okotberfest
Fireman's Breakfast
Sunday, October 7 8:30AM-12:30PM
Waconia Fire Station-26 S Maple St, Waconia
 
Support your local fire department.The Waconia Fire Department Relief Association will be serving pancakes, French toast, sausage and more! Advanced tickets available from any firefighter or at the fire station.
Tickets: $7/$8 at the door age 5 and under FREE
Llama Open House
Sunday, October 7 11:00AM-4:00PM
Carlson's Llovable Llamas-8380 County Rd 10 E, Waconia
 
You're invited to Carlson's Llovable Llamas open house on October 7th from 11-4pm. This is a free event that is open to the public. There will be llama walks, hands on activities, and wool products for sale. Rain or shine they will still have their open house so come and check out the llamas!
Early/Absentee Voting is now Available
Through November 5, 2018
Waconia City Hall-201 S Vine St, Waconia
 
Early/Absentee Voting is available now through November 5, 2018 (Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; November 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Open until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 5).
Ladies' Night Out: Bunko
Thursday, October 11 6:30-9:00PM
J. Carver Distillery-1320 Mill Lane, Waconia
 
 This Ladies' Night Out is back by popular demand! October 11th, bring your neighbors, invite your sisters, and friends or just come and meet new friends! Bunko is a fun and very social dice game and absolutely no experience or skill is required. Our awesome cocktail staff will be whipping up some delicious cocktails just for this special evening.
Cost: $20 Ticket includes a welcome cocktail, light appetizers, prizes, and all the instruction you need. Additional c ocktails range in price from $7-11. Registration required.
Reserve your ticket at: 
Harvest Bonfire
Saturday, October 13 4:00-10:00PM
Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery-8785 Airport Rd, Waconia
 
This event is not to be missed! The Annual Harvest Bonfire is rich with tradition, merriment, and great wine! The winery and brewery is open to the public until 4pm, but AFTER 4pm, it is a ticketed only event and all guests must be wrist banded. No tasting the day of the event. 
Live music, food trucks, cigar rolling, and of course a HUGE bonfire! Registration Required.
Cost: $15-$25/person
Vote for WACONIA! Best MN Town Finalist
Voting runs through October 12
 
Vote for Waconia! We are in the final 10 for Minnesota Monthly's Best MN Town Contest. Social media voting is only part of the equation, but it is a factor. You can vote up to 10 times per day from each email address through October 12. We appreciate your support!  
Scout It Out (D.E.A.R. preview event)
Friday, November 2 6:30-9:00PM
American Legion-233 S Olive St, Waconia
 
Join us for our first ever "Scout It Out" event! On the eve of D.E.A.R. (Divas Enjoying Awesome Retail), we will gather for a "Bonus Tag". Scope out fall and winter fashions and get great ideas for setting the perfect table (or room) for the holidays. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
Cost: $20 includes appetizers and a beverage.
Hoppers' Anniversary Party
Saturday, October 20
Hoppers Bar & Grill-119 S Olive St, Waconia
 
Hoppers is celebrating their 20th birthday with big tent set up in the back alley (blocking off the alley) for overflow people. Retro beer and liquor pricing back to 1998 (when Dan & Paul bought Hoppers). Free food, prize and gift drawings. Live music from the Drunk Uncle’s in the afternoon and a DJ at night.
Stop by and give Dan & Paul your best wishes!
Mental Health for All
Monday, October 29 11:30AM-1:00PM
First Street Center-540 East 1st St, Waconia
 
MRCI WorkSource is offering a complimentary lunch n learn for Employer Education. This lunch is open to employers of all size or industry, HR Professionals, Case workers, and such – to engage in the topic of Mental Health in the workplace.  Registration is required and seating is limited. Click Here for more details.
Your News Here
If you have good news you would like to share with the membership, send it to our office! Awards, promotions, events, needs, etc. Deadline for information is Wednesday at noon prior to the Friday posting. Posts will be shared for 2 weeks. Click here to send your info!
Chamber Luncheon & Calendar
October Luncheon

Thursday, October 26, 2018
11:30AM-1:00PM

Location: Ridgeview Medical Center Auditorium
500 S Maple St, Waconia

"Workforce in Waconia"


Cost: $25/member, $30/not yet member

RSVP Required by October 19, 2018
Call or email to register [email protected]

All forms of payment will be accepted the day of the event.
Chamber Calendar-October 2018
OCT 5 Coffee Connection 7:30-9:00AM @Auburn Home in Waconia
OCT 9 Tourism Committee Meeting 9:00AM @AmericInn of Waconia (550 Cherry Dr)
OCT 10 Chamber Board of Directors Retreat 9:00AM-3:00PM
OCT 11 Retail Committee Meeting 8:00-9:30AM @Council Chambers in City Hall
(201 S Vine St)
OCT 11-21 Scarecrow Tour in Waconia
OCT 18 Ambassador Meeting 8:45AM @ Chamber Office 209 S Vine St, Waconia
OCT 26 Membership Luncheon 11:30AM-1:00PM @ Ridgeview Medical Center Auditorium (500 S Maple St, Waconia) Deadline to Register: October 19
Name | Company | Phone | Fax | Email | Website
Friday Facts Is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812