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Scarecrow Tour: October 9-19
Enjoy a self-guided tour of over 40 scarecrows hosted by Waconia businesses all over town! Vote for your favorite and enter to win prizes. Ballots due back to a participating business or the chamber office by Monday, October 21. Thanks to all the hosting businesses!
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Happy National Manufacturing Day!
There are many incredible products locally made right here in Waconia and Carver County. We’re proud to celebrate the manufacturers who create jobs, fuel our economy, and remind us that big things can come from right here at home.
| | | A Message from the President | | | | |
Big News, Waconia!
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
| We've got some exciting news to share – Waconia has been named Retail Community of the Year! This recognition celebrates everything that makes our business community so special. | | |
With the Scarecrow Tour just around the corner followed by D.E.A.R. Day on Nov. 8, it’s a fabulous time of year to explore the town. Our retail shops are always changing their merchandise and displays, plus many of the restaurants have new culinary features to share! Whether you're shopping for something special, grabbing lunch between stores, or celebrating with a night out, we know we can find it here in Waconia.
We couldn't be prouder of our amazing shops, craft cocktails, award-winning wines, and fresh-baked treats. With the holiday season fast approaching, we'll be shining a spotlight on our local businesses. At the chamber office, we often get asked about our favorite places to eat, too. Let's keep supporting the chamber members who make our community thrive. Being named Retail Community of the Year is a tremendous honor, and it's all thanks to you. Here's to shopping local, eating local, and celebrating Waconia!
When it comes to local dining, we have so many choices!
Keep reading for a few favorites.
| | Business Resources & Updates | | |
Waconia Named Retail Community of the Year
Minnesota Retailers is proud to announce the community of Waconia as the recipient of the Retail Community of the Year award, part of the 2025-2026 Minnesota's Retail Champions program. This award celebrates Waconia’s extraordinary collaboration and innovative spirit in creating a vibrant, thriving retail landscape that serves as a model for communities across Minnesota.
Join Us at Retail Rally
We'd love to have you join us as we accept the award on Wednesday, October 8 at 2:00 p.m. at Brookview in Golden Valley. The event features keynote speaker Tamara Prato on "Driving Retail Growth: People, Planning, and Your Best Customers."
We have a table reserved with a few seats available if you're interested in attending with us. Let us know if you'd like to join! For program details and registration, click here.
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We appreciate your support!
Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber.
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Cadence Academy
Carver County Pride
Love INC Carver County
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Shape it Up Fitness & Athleisure Boutique
ZenBusiness
| | Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings | | |
Primary contact: Rustin Oxendale
612-790-0539
Info@buildwithtruline.com
truline-contracting.com
Rustin and his team at Truline Contracting are experts in both residential and commercial projects, delivering quality craftsmanship and trusted service every time. Specializing in roofing, siding, windows, and home remodeling, we blend skill with attention to detail to create lasting, transformative spaces that reflect your vision and stand the test of time.
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Primary contact: Taylor Kirby
612-865-2323
taylork97@gmail.com
Taylor is dedicated to helping people in Waconia live healthier lives by introducing clean, safe, and eco-friendly wellness products that support both personal well-being and a sustainable future.
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Primary contact: Michelle Bijou
952-855-1192
524 Elm Street South, Waconia
1collisionwaconia.com
michelle@w1ca.com
Congratulations to Waconia 1 Collision & Auto on their grand re-opening and 5-year milestone! The Waconia 1 Collision team recently celebrated their newly expanded space with a ribbon cutting with the Waconia Chamber Ambassadors.
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| Congratulations on your milestone! Wishing you continued success. | | |
Celebrating 2 years of business
in Waconia!
| | Celebrating 6 years of business! | | Do you have a milestone coming up? Let us know - we'd love to celebrate you in the next newsletter! Email ckoubsky@destinationwaconia.org | | |
Strategic Networking Luncheon
At the September Waconia Chamber Luncheon, a panel of speakers shared the important role nonprofits play in our community. Thank you to Shannon Bry (Crown College), Christie Larson (Southern Valley Alliance), and Kathy Oliphant (Arts Consortium of Carver County).
We also appreciate SouthPoint Financial Credit Union for sponsoring and Crown College for their warm hospitality and delicious lunch.
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Waconia Young Professionals
The Waconia Young Professionals gathered in September for a happy hour at The Winery at Sovereign Estate, enjoying great conversation and connections.
Save the date for the next event on Wednesday, October 29, 3:30-5:00PM —details coming soon!
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Lakeside Farm & Flowers
Pumpkin Patch Now Open
Open daily dawn to dusk
10405 MN-25, Cologne
Our self-serve, you-pick pumpkin patch is open daily from dawn to dusk, until the pumpkins sell out!
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Last Chance Pint Sale at Frozen Five Ice Creamery!
Saturday, October 4 | 2-6:00PM
8 West 1st St, Waconia
This is it—our final weekend open before we close for the season, and we’ve still got ice cream to share! Pint Sale: Buy 2, Get 1 FREE! Come out, grab your favorites, and help us end the season on a sweet note.
Flavors available: Double-Fold Vanilla, Chocolate, Lavender & Honey, Cookie Monster, Half-Baked Cookies and Cream, Dirt-Worms and Dairy-free Mango.
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Shape It Up Fitness & Athleisure Boutique
Now Carrying UNRL
Shape It Up Fitness will NOW be carrying Men, Women and Youth Boys UNRL! Some will be branded with Waconia! Shop Our Athleisure Boutique. Open hours: Tue. 10-5p Wed. 10-5p Thur. 10-7:30p Fri. 10-5p Sat. 10-4p Sun. 11-3p
FREE month at SIU
Shape It Up Fitness is giving away a FREE Month to anyone who's never tried Shape It Up Fitness before! Sign up by downloading the app Mindbody, search for Shape It Up Fitness, pick a class, payment method, FREE Week. Come to class introduce yourself and their staff will extend the pass for the rest of October.
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Waconia National Honor Society Rake-A-Thon
The Month Of October
Waconia
The Waconia High School National Honor Society is excited to launch its first-ever Rake-A-Thon this October! Student volunteers will be giving back to the community by raking and bagging leaves for 12 local lawns. If you or someone you know could use an extra hand this fall, please email Nelia Von Glan at nvonglan@isd110.org by Friday, October 3rd to reserve a spot.
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Just Between Friends Pop-Up Sale
October 2-4
Carver County Fairgrounds
501 W. 3rd St, Waconia
Join us for Just Between Friends, one of the region’s biggest pop-up consignment sales, where families come together twice a year to offer thousands of gently used and new children’s items at 50–90% off retail. Every item comes from local parents giving their kids’ outgrown items a second life—making this event good for your wallet, good for the community, and good for the planet.
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Ruthie's House Vintage Halloween Launch
Friday, October 3 | 12:-4:00PM
Saturday, October 4 | 11:3:00PM
Ruthie's House Vintage
44 W 1st St, Waconia
Step back in time this Halloween - discover racks of vintage costumes for just $15 and delightfully fun décor for your home.
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Crown College Homecoming
Saturday, October 4 | 12:00PM
Crown College
8700 College View Dr, St Bonifacius
Join us at Crown College Homecoming for a day full of family fun, activities, and Polar pride! Enjoy lunch on campus, exciting games and matches, the kid-friendly Cub Zone, and an evening football showdown against Northwestern. Admission is just $10 for adults (kids are free with a paid adult). Come celebrate community, connection, and Crown’s tradition—everyone is welcome!
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Carver County Sheriff's Office Open House
Saturday, October 4 | 10:00AM-2:00PM
606 E. 4th Street, Chaska
Join us for the Carver County Sheriff's Office Open House on Saturday, October 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event offers a unique opportunity to meet the Sheriff's Office staff, explore their equipment, and take a guided tour of the jail and dispatch center. This is a fun event for all ages, and we hope to see you there!
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Band Together Charity Concert
Saturday, October 4 | 6:00-9:00PM
The Winery At Sovereign Estate
9950 N Shore Rd, Waconia
Join us at Sovereign Estate Winery for an evening of live music with the legendary Johnny Holm Band to support Love INC of Carver County and Gather and Grow Food Shelf. Enjoy great music, delicious food and drinks, and a beautiful winery setting while helping local families in need. Doors open at 5:00 PM, with music starting at 6:30 PM—every ticket and donation makes a difference!
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Waconia Fire Department Open House
October 5 | 12:00-4:00 PM
Waconia Fire Department
10451 10th St, Waconia
Join the Waconia Fire Department for their Open House! Enjoy fire truck rides, a bounce house, fire safety info, free CPR/AED training sessions, and a free lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers. Thanks to the Waconia Fire Relief Association, this family-friendly event is a perfect chance to meet your local heroes, learn valuable safety tips, and have fun together as a community.
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2025 Operating Levy Referendum Community Forum
October 7 | 6:30PM
Waconia Middle School Auditorium
1400 Community Dr, Waconia
Please join us at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7 at the Waconia Middle School Auditorium for an Open Community Forum regarding the Operating Levy Referendum that will appear on the November 4 ballot.
Superintendent Dr. Brian Gersich will give a presentation on the Operating Levy Referendum that will appear on the November 4 ballot. There will be time for a Q & A following the presentation.
Also know that early voting is now available between now and November 3, 2025, at the District Office (512 Industrial Blvd.), Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m
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HomeBuyer Seminar
October 7 | 6-7:00PM
Waconia Brewing
255 W Main St, Waconia
How much is my home really worth? Join Triple Crown Home Team and Scheff Insurance for an informal seminar on the home buying and lending process in today's market. Complete the registration in its entirety and receive a free beer / rootbeer on us!
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18th Annual Harvest Bonfire
Friday, October 10 | 4:00-10:00PM
Schram Vineyards
8785 Airport Rd, Waconia
Celebrate the season at Schram Vineyards’ Annual Harvest Bonfire! Enjoy live music with The Stand Ups and an acoustic set by Mike Poot, a dazzling bonfire lit at dusk, fire dancers, food trucks, a complimentary s’mores bar, and the debut of our Bonfire Magnum Bottles. Sip mulled wine, craft beer, or specialty cocktails as you dance under the stars and get a sneak peek of our new Bonfire-themed restaurant. Tickets are limited, so don’t miss this unforgettable night!
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4th Annual Fall Festival
Saturday, October 11 | 12:30-2:30PM
Gather and Grow Food Shelf & Connection Center
9 Main St E, Waconia
We're bringing out the fall fun with pumpkins, a costume contest, a bouncy house, face painting, a tasty taco food truck, local restaurant, Pangea's, annual sample of their amazing chicken wild rice soup, a local chiropractor and so much more!
*With a food or monetary donation to to the Gather & Grow Food Shelf, receive your fall pumpkin
*Register for door prizes the day of at the check-in table
*Sign up for family photos via the link to sign-up genius
*Be sure to get there early to be a part of the annual costume contest. (points for creativity and collaboration in groups are welcome)
Please RSVP so we can make sure we have enough pumpkins.
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Waconia DandyLion's Flannel Fall Crawl
Saturday, October 11 | 3-10:00PM
Start at Waconia Brewing Co
255 W Main St, Waconia
Pull on your favorite flannel and get ready to bar-hop with purpose! The Waconia DandyLions invite you to our 4th Annual Flannel Fall Bar Crawl—a fun-filled day of local brews, food deals, flannel fashion, and community spirit.
All proceeds support the DandyLions Holiday Charitable Giving Initiatives. This year's proceeds will go to Gifts for Grands—a program that fulfills Christmas wish lists for seniors in Waconia’s nursing homes and senior living communities.
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Mental Health First Aid Training
Tuesday, October 14 | 9:00AM-3:30PM
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska
Carver County Public Health, with support from the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), is providing a valuable, no-cost Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training – a unique opportunity for leaders like you to make a real impact.
MHFA is an evidence-based, internationally recognized training program designed to equip individuals with the tools to recognize and respond effectively to mental health challenges—including anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and crisis situations—until professional help can step in. MHFA is especially valuable in the workplace because it helps create a healthier, safer, and more productive environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your leadership and support your community – register today! Registration: Email Kris at kkeykal@advantagehealth.com or call/text 612.803.8723 by October 1st, 2025. Space is limited to 30 participants. Cost: FREE to Carver County businesses
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Navigating Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave
Tuesday, October 14 | 10:30AM-12:00PM
Waconia Chamber Office
201 S Vine St, Waconia
Minnesota's new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, which takes effect January 1, 2026. This session will help local employers understand their obligations and prepare for implementation of this state-run program that will impact Minnesota employers.
Who Should Attend:
Business owners, HR professionals, payroll administrators, and anyone responsible for employee benefits and leave management.
Speakers:
Kelly Dohm, Employment Law Attorney Partner | Melchert, Hubert, Sjodin Law
Mick Hannafin, Business Unit President | CBIZ
Tim Jopp, Owner | Legacy Health Insurance
No fee to attend, but rsvp is required. Space is limited. Register early to secure your spot.
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Follow the Waconia Chamber on LinkedIn
The Waconia Chamber is on LinkedIn.
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Tri-Chamber Membership Mixer
October 9 | 4:00-6:00PM
Flying Dutchman Spirits
6801 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie
Join us for Harvesting Connections, an annual networking event hosted by the Eden Prairie, Southwest Metro, and Waconia Chambers of Commerce.
This event offers the perfect opportunity to connect with local business leaders, share ideas, and forge new partnerships. Enjoy a gathering with exceptional craft cocktails, prizes, great conversations, and the chance to expand your professional network.
Register to attend. Free to register!
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October Luncheon
From Overwhelmed to AI-Ready:
A Small Business Guide to Getting Started with AI
Thursday, October 30 | 11:30AM-1:00PM
Speakers:
Debbie Schwake - Ex-Accenture & Fractional CMO
Ashley Evenson - Ex-Bain Consultant & Fractional CMO
Location: Waconia Fire Station (10451 W 10th Street)
In honor of Fire Prevention Month there will be a brief safety and prevention reminder from Fire Chief Justin Sorensen.
Cost: $35/member, $45/non-member
Deadline to register: Monday, October 27
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Save the dates!
Chamber 101
Tuesday, November 4 | 5-8:00PM
Waconia Chamber Office
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Waconia Chamber Holiday Social
Monday, December 8 | 5-8:00PM
Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery
| | Chamber Calendar - October | | |
OCTOBER 9 Retail Committee, 9-10:00AM @Chamber Office,
OCTOBER 9 Tri-Chamber After Hours, 4-6:00PM @Flying Dutchman, Eden Prairie
OCTOBER 9-19 18th Annual Waconia Scarecrow Tour, all over Waconia
OCTOBER 14 Tourism Committee, 9-10:00AM @Parley Lake Winery
OCTOBER 23 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office
OCTOBER 30 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30-1:00PM @Waconia Fire Station
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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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