Last call for Scarecrows!
Waconia Scarecrow Tour

The 15th Annual Waconia Scarecrow Tour is October 13-23. Hosting a scarecrow is a chamber-member benefit.
 
Investment for co-op marketing:
-Option 1: Scarecrow Tour $50
 
-Option 2: Fall Retail Package $150
Includes Scarecrow Tour $50 & D.E.A.R. $125
SAVE $25!
 
Deadline to be included on the map extended to Tuesday, October 4
Contact Chelsey or register online if you'd like to be included.
A Message from the President
Advocacy and the quality of candidates matter


by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
At yesterday’s candidate forum luncheon, each candidate was given 5 specific questions to answer around topics that affect our community on key issues. While there was a variation of answers provided, each candidate expressed compassion for the betterment of our city, county, and state. As an organization that supports our local businesses and enhances the quality of life in our community, we work to advocate on issues that align with that mission and are a strong voice for businesses.

The quality of our candidates and the work that they do matters. We work closely with elected officials to build relationships, be a part of important conversations, and advocate for policy that supports our business community. While this effort is not always as highly visible, advocacy plays a big part in our work and it happens at multiple levels of office. Continue reading...
Welcome New Member
HearingLife

Chrissy Lueck
952-442-6370
Healthcare
Ambassador Visits
Laketown Gymnastics
Primary contact: Tammie Coleman
654 Industrial Blvd, Waconia
952-368-3547

Laketown Gym offers gymnastics, parkour, and ninja classes for all ages with gymnastics classes available as young as 18 months old. About 850 kids are currently taking classes at Laketown Gymn. Open Gym is back and Laketown Gym is also available to host children's birthday parties. Check the website for open gym and class session schedules!
Waconia Music Studios
Primary contact: Scott Brose
9386 Oak Ave, Waconia
952-679-3953

Waconia Music Studios offers private lessons in voice, guitar, piano, and many other instruments for both kids and adults! Owners Scott Brose and Jay Downie, along with the many instructors, have a combined 90 years of teaching experience. They offer three sessions throughout the year but students can start lessons at any time!
More Chamber News
Meet the Candidates
 
Read the questionnaire from yesterday's Meet the Candidates Chamber Luncheon or watch the live recording of the Luncheon posted on the Waconia Chamber Facebook page.
Member News and Happenings
Early Voting Information
 
For the General Election, absentee/early voting is open for Waconia residents at Waconia City Hall from 7:30AM to 4:30PM Monday - Thursday and on Friday's from 7:30AM - 11:30PM through November 7. The City will also be open extended hours for voting on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM.

If you are not a City of Waconia resident (but reside in Carver County) you can absentee vote at the Carver County Government Center in Chaska. Their hours may be different than the hours listed above.
Elite Nutrition Now Delivering
 
Elite Nutrition now delivers within five miles from 8AM-1PM ($50 minimum). Order the the Engage app or call 952-442-1194 and enjoy lunch without leaving the office!
Shape It Up Fitness
 
Shape It Up Fitness is now an authorized lululemon retailer carrying a variety of lululemon merchandise including Align leggings, tanks, sweatshirts, jackets, sports bras and more. Stop in and shop during their NEW retail hours retail Wed. 3:30-6:30 p.m. Thur. 3:30-6:30, Friday 8-12 p.m. & Saturdays 9-12 p.m. 

Want to have some fun and sweat with a community of strong women? Try a FREE week at SIU! Over 30 group fitness classes each week! Click below to see the schedule.
Book a J. Carver Distillery Tour and Tasting
 
J. Carver Tour and Tasting reservations are now available for this Saturday, October 1. Our tours do sell out. Book online today at jcarverdistillery.com. Our cocktail room reservations do fill up quickly so don’t delay. Reservations are required. Tours are available at 4pm, 5:30pm, and 7pm.
Shred with Shannon: Fitness for Everybody and Every Body
 
Saturday, October 1
9:30-10:30AM

Tomorrow is the beginning of October, which is Breast Cancer awareness month!
Help us celebrate our survivors and lost loved ones by attending a FREE dance class in the parking lot between The Hive and the food shelf. Donations are optional - all donations will go to breast cancer research. Water and snacks donated by Mackenthun's. Don’t forget to wear pink 💕 Can’t wait to shimmy and shake you!
Chamber After Hours
 
Monday, October 3 | 4:30PM-6:30PM
Laketown Electric Corporation
8470 MN-5, Waconia
 
Make new connections during this casual networking event. No fee to attend and no registration needed. Hosted by Laketown Electric Corporation. 
Vikings Country at Hoppers
 
Tuesday, October 4 | 7:30-9:30PM
Hoppers
119 S Olive St, Waconia
 
Win Vikings tickets or meet a Vikings player (player subject to change). Get Miller Lite pounds for $3.50 and Vizzy Strawberry Mimosa cans for $4 from 4:30-9:30PM.
October Coffee Connection
 
Thursday, October 6 | 7:30-9:00AM
Waconia Brewing Company
255 W Main St, Waconia
 
Network and connect! We'd love to hear what's new with you and your business. Coffee and a light snack will be served. No need to register. Stop in for as long as your schedule allows. FREE! Hope to see you there!
Schram Bonfire Tickets are now Available
 
Friday, October 7
5-10:00PM
 
Our annual harvest bonfire event is just around the corner and we can almost feel the cool air and hear the crackling sound of the fire. Tickets are now on sale and we know you're just as excited as we are! However, this annual event sells out every year, so hurry and secure your spot while you can!
Llama Rama Fall Festival
 
Saturday, October 8
10AM-6PM
Carver County Fairgrounds
 
Fall days in Minnesota are the best! And nothing is better than a fall festival. Llama Rama will have music, food, drink, a vintage and makers market, activities for the kids and best of all LLAMAS! Tickets are adult $20, kids $17.
Waconia Dandylions Flannel Fall Bar Crawl
 
Saturday, October 8
6:00PM
 
Pull out your best flannel and join the Waconia Dandylions on their 1st Annual Flannel Fall Bar Crawl! We will be having some "Dandy" fun barhopping around Waconia with each stop having a deal on drinks and more importantly, raising money to fund our local Dandylion's holiday initiatives for this upcoming holiday season such as Gifts for Grandpeople and Adopting a Family for the Holidays. We will also be holding a 50/50 raffle throughout the evening.
 
Route & Times (approximate times)
6-8 PM: Waconia Brewing Co
*Check in 6-8 PM (get your wristband)
8-9 PM: Chumly's
9-10 PM: The Saloon
10- ???: Hopper's
Wristbands are $20 which gets you specials at participating bars (stay tuned for more details). So grab a friend or two and come out to have flannel-tastic DANDY night!
Waconia Fire Relief Association Fall Pancake Breakfast
 
Sunday, October 9
8:30AM-12:30PM
Waconia Fire Station

Join us for our annual fall pancake breakfast. We'll be serving up the finest pancakes, french toast, sausage and more! Tickets are $10 with ages 5 and under free. 
Carver County Fairgrounds Trunk or Treat
 
Sunday, October 30
2-4:00PM
Carver County Fairgrounds

Sign up to bring a decorated trunk to the Carver County Fairgrounds for the annual Trunk or Treat! Setup: Grounds will be open for vehicle setup at 1:00PM. We have prizes for best decorated trunk. 1st Place: $75. 2nd Place: $50. 3rd Place: $25. Registration ends at 12:00Pm on October 29. Plan on 300-350 ghosts and goblins!
Factory Order Special at Waconia Dodge   

Over the last two years the auto industry has adjusted to the factory order model. Currently, the only way to get vehicles is to order them from factory through us. What many people don't know is that you can order a vehicle from Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM with out committing 100%. Set an appointment with me to build and order your perfect vehicle. We only require a $99 deposit to place the order. If for any reason you decide not to take the vehicle when it arrives we will refund your deposit no questions asked. As a bonus, everyone who orders a vehicle from me, Chris Weinberger, will receive $50 in Waconia Chamber Bucks. Contact Chris: 952-388-6808
Deardorff Orchards Closed for Season
 
Due to a small crop of apples this year, Deardorff Orchards and pick-your-own apples is closed for the season. Parley Lake Winery remains open with pumpkins and prebagged apples for sale. Tractor-pulled wagon rides are complimentary with wine purchase this Saturday and Sunday.
Upcoming Events
October Chamber Luncheon

Thursday, October 27
11:30AM-1:00PM

Manufacturing Tours
Tour Sackett-Waconia and other manufacturing facilities as part of Manufacturing Month. More details to come.

Deadline to register: Monday, October 24
Chamber Calendar - October 2022
OCTOBER 3 Business After Hours, 4:30-6:30PM, @Laketown Electric Corporation
OCTOBER 5 Business Education Netowrk-Mfg & Trades, 7-8:00AM, @WHS
OCTOBER 6 Coffee Connection, 7:30-9AM, @Waconia Brewing Company
OCTOBER 11 Tourism Meeting, 9:00AM
OCTOBER 12 Board Retreat
OCTOBER 13 Retail Meeting, 8-9:00AM @City Hall
OCTOBER 13-23 Scarecrow Tour, @All over town!
OCTOBER 20 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @City Hall
OCTOBER 27 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Manufacturing Tours
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812