62nd Annual Nickle Dickle Day
Saturday, September 16 | 8AM-5PM

The tradition brings thousands of people to Waconia to experience a thriving retail community, small town hospitality, and family-friendly activities that make the day a classic celebration. Nickle Dickle Day strongly supports our local businesses and is the largest fundraiser of the year for the chamber and other community organizations.

POP BOOTH & BOUNCE HOUSE VOLUNTEERS

The Chamber Pop Booth is the exclusive vendor of beverages at Nickle Dickle Day. If you or your organization would like to volunteer in the Pop Booth or Bounce House, click the links below. Wear your logo-wear and have direct interaction with the community. Promote yourself, your business, or your organization while helping the Chamber fundraise!
Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance

Friday, September 15
Gates open 7PM | Band 8-11:30PM
Main St & Vine St - Waconia City Lot #1
Tickets $10 | 21+ | Cash bar

Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance tickets are now for sale at the Chamber Office, Iron Tap, Mackenthun's Fine Foods Service Counter, and Waconia Brewing Company! The Street Dance features band The Good, the Bad and the Funky.
"Kind of a Big Dill" Nickle Dickle Pickle Contest

Wanted: Pickle Entries!

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, September 12

Back by popular demand!
Categories: sweet, dill, spicy, misc. pickled foods (1 entry per person per category). Entry Fee: $10 per jar. Come see our local celebrity judges at 10:30 at the gazebo in City Square Park where pickle winners will be announced on Nickle Dickle Day. Prizes and Bragging rights to the winners in each category.
"Kind of a Big Dill" Hats are here!

Nickle Dickle Day "Kind of a Big Dill" hats are here. Stop by the Chamber office or email Gretchen at [email protected] to confirm your order! Hats are $20.
A Message from the President
62 Annual Nickle Dickle Day

Supporting Local Commerce & Celebrating Community


by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
We’re just days away from the best day in Waconia; Nickle Dickle Day! It all began when Waconia business leaders created the event to attract people to shop downtown. In the beginning, many items were available for a nickel! Why the name Nickle Dickle? The word “dickle” is derived from a German
word for bartering, which ties into how the day began.

In the heart of the event is our local downtown commerce. The day is about contributing to the downtown’s vibrancy and character while highlighting our community! At its core, Nickle Dickle Day is about shopping, eating, and celebrating local! Over time, it has expanded to include numerous family-friendly and engaging activities for all ages - Medallion hunt, car show, arts & crafts, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, run, book sale, duck races, live music, and more! Continue Reading...
Legislative Update
When will new policies impact your business?

The Minnesota legislature passed many bills this legislative session. Here is a timeline of when those bills become a reality for your business.
Welcome New Members
BCS, Inc

Alex Broadston
(952) 442-9770
400 E 10th St, Waconia
Healthcare
Metronet

Jill Cordes
(507) 516-6412
213 S Oak Ave, Owatonna
Commercial and Residential Internet
Frattallone's Hardware & Garden

David Byrd
(952) 442-2622
121 Hwy 5, Waconia
Hardware Store
Nautical Bowls

Alena Severson
1750 Tower Blvd, Victoria
Smoothie Bowls
Ambassador Visits
Love INC Carver County
Primary contact: Al Norby

Love Inc is a Christian, faith-based, non-profit organization aimed to help provide living essentials for families that are struggling. They service families in district 110 and 112, no matter their faith.
Never Bored Adventures
Primary contact: Audra Lawson

Never Bored Adventures is a water adventure company based out of Cedar Point Park in Waconia. They offer classes and rentals for both kids and adults. There's still time to get out on the water this season!
Title Mark
Primary contact: Marcia Bening
(952) 442-7777
121 W Main St #200

Title Mark is a local title company providing services for buying, selling, and refinancing homes and businesses. They have offices in Waconia, Chaska, Hutchinson, and Cokato.
Membership
Monthly Membership Renewals - Help us thank these businesses for their commitment to the business community!
All Seasons Garment Care & Tailoring
DHA CPAs
Graphic Print Promo & Design LLC
Trucker Logistics
Member Directory Available
Membership Directories have been shipped; watch your mailbox for delivery!

Digital version also listed on our website, click below.
Member News
Economic Development Survey to Support Hwy 5 Improvements

The City of Waconia is seeking support from businesses as we apply for transportation funding for Highway 5 improvements in the community. The City will be applying for competitive grants through the state that evaluate economic impacts of transportation projects locally, regionally, and statewide. A safe and reliable transportation system is critical to our local economy and community. To aid in the City’s efforts in applying for these funds, our business community is asked to participate in the economic development survey either via the mailed, emailed, or link provided.

Please help the City of Waconia share the importance of Highway 5 to our business community by taking the time to think about how transportation affects your business now, and into the future. Please also consider writing a letter of support, with a draft sample provided in the sent materials, that can be included in the grant application. If you have any questions or would like information sent to you, please contact Shane Fineran, City Administrator at [email protected] or 952-442-3100.
Carver County Parks Survey

Help inform the future of Carver County's parks & trails! Carver County Parks and Recreation needs your input to create a vision for the future of our parks and trails, make potential improvements, and guide investments for the next 10-20 years!
Your input is a necessary step in advancing our parks and trails system. Please share your thoughts in this brief input form to let us know what changes you would like to see and how you envision the future of our parks and trails.
Lake Waconia Regional Park Closed after Labor Day

The beach at Lake Waconia Regional Park will close on September 5, 2023, following Labor Day weekend. Until then, they will be open at swim-at-your-own-risk status. Enjoy the beaches through Labor Day!
Waconia Lakers Play in State Tournament

Saturday, September 2 | 11AM 
Saints Field
850 2nd St N, Dassel

The Waconia Lakers are one of the final 16 Class C town baseball teams that have made it to the final weekend of the 100Th Annual Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament. The Lakers play Bird Island on Saturday in Dassel. Two fan buses are lined up to leave from Lions Field at 9:30am sharp on Saturday. One bus will be family/kid friendly. It’s $10.00 per person and beverages will be provided. Contact Jonesy ASAP at [email protected] if you like a spot on one of the buses. One bus will leave right after the game and the other bus may stay for a while and watch part of the second game. Should the Lakers win Saturday, they would play again on Sunday at 11:00am in Litchfield. 

You can find info about the tournament and the brackets at www.mnbaseball.org and tournament info on twitter @MBAState2023 or you can listen to the game on KGLB radio and/or their app via your phone. Hope to have big time support and see if the team can make a run. Thanks as always for your support!! Go Lakers!!
Beginners Strength Series

Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:45-5:20PM | Sept 5-28
Shape It Up Fitness
44 W Main St, Waconia

Sign up now for this 4-week Beginner Strength Series with Shape It Up Fitness for $199. Email [email protected] to save your spot or sign up by clicking the button below.
School Year Youth Program - Fall Session

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Sept 5 - Nov 16
Crusher Fitness & Health
219 E Frontage Rd, Waconia

Crusher Youth programs will increase physical competence in 10 fitness domains: Endurance - Stamina - Strength - Flexibility - Power - Speed - Coordination - Agility - Balance - Accuracy 

We make fitness fun and we will teach and coach your child to move safely. Our limited class size ensures the coach can properly coach everyone. Winter and Spring Sessions also available.
September Coffee Connection

Thursday, September 7 | 7:30AM - 9:00AM
Waconia 1 Collision & Auto
524 S Elm 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!
Street Opening Celebration

Friday, September 8 | 4PM - 10PM
Main Street between Olive & Vine, Waconia

To celebrate the end of construction we will have a party in the street! Sponsored by Chumly’s and Iron Tap, come for live music with the Jason Paulsen band, drink and food specials, Ice cream specials, Cornhole tournament, clothing deals from Shop Chicks and a chance to drink in the street!
Oktoberfest Party at WBC

Saturday, September 9 | 11AM - 10PM
255 W Main St, Waconia

Mark your calendar and get your lederhosen ready, Oktoberfest is back. Join the team at Waconia Brewing to celebrate. Prost!
National Dance Day Class

Wednesday, September 13 | 6PM-7PM
City Square Park Gazebo
Main St between Pine & Spruce, Waconia

National Dance Day is 9/16 (also Nickle Dickle Day) - celebrate with a FREE Dance class led by SHiNE Dance instructor, Jackie Boyer.
Assisted & Senior Living Week Celebration

Thursday, September 14 | 4:30PM - 6:30PM
Westview Acres
433 W 5th St, Waconia

We welcome our community business partners, Westview Acres residents, their families, our employees and their families. Come enjoy fine
eats with GoudaQ food truck, Kona Ice truck, Face Painting, and outdoor games. The Jupes will be the musical entertainment for the night! RSVPs appreciated by 9/8/2023 by calling 952.442.7191 or Email: [email protected]
Nickle Dickle 10k, 5k and Tickle Run

Saturday, September 16
Bayview Elementary School
24 S Walnut St, Waconia

Choose from a 5k or 10k run, or the Youth 1/2 Mile fun run! Register now.

8:00 am – 10K starts on Cherry Street, between 1st Street and 2nd Street.
8:10 am – 5K Run & Walk starts on Cherry Street, between 1st Street and 2nd Street
10:15 am – ½ Mile Tickle run starts on Cherry Street, between 1st Street and 2nd Street.

FINISH LINE – Bayview Elementary School. All races finish on 1st Street on the South side of Bayview Elementary School
Rotary Duck Races on Nickle Dickle Day

Saturday, September 16 | 11AM - 2PM
City Square Park, Waconia

The Waconia-West Carver Rotary Duck Races are a Nickle Dickle Day Tradition for businesses and community members alike! This fun-packed Rotary event is free for kids and an opportunity for businesses to share in the popular community celebration. When businesses sponsor a duck, they receive their own “Racing Duck” to personalize and decorate for the event. Please click on the attached links below for additional information. Email your sign-up form to [email protected]

Waconia-West Carver Rotary meets each Wednesday mornings at 7:30am at Island View Golf Club (excluding the first Wednesday of each month). Guests are welcome to visit and learn more about Rotary!  
St. Joe's 3-on-3 Basketball on Nickle Dickle Day

Saturday, September 16
Games Start at 11AM
St Joseph Catholic School
41 E 1st St, Waconia

Grade 3 to Adult. Registration includes t-shirts and free admission for spectators. $72 Registration Fee ($85 after September 9th, 2023). Registration closes September 13th, 2023, 5:00pm
Celebrating First Release 7 Year Brickyard Straight Bourbon

Saturday, September 16 | 5:00PM - 8:30PM
J. Carver Distillery
1320 Mill Lane, Waconia

YOU ARE INVITED! The J. Carver team will be celebrating "National Bourbon Heritage Month" and the first release of J. Carver 7 Year Brickyard Straight Bourbon during our limited release party after the conclusion of Waconia’s Annual Nickle Dickle Day.
 
Your $95 ticket (plus tax) includes: 
• A Brickyard 7 Year Old Fashioned Welcome Cocktail Upon Arrival
• Buddy Boy Fine BBQ 8 oz Beef Brisket Sandwich Dinner buffet with delicious sides
• One 750ml bottle 7 Year Brickyard Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($65 value)
• Special surprises throughout the night, and more!
Reservations are required - Walk-ins will not be available on Saturday, September 16th. 
Celebration of Philanthropy Dinner

Wednesday, September 20 | 5:30PM - 8:00PM
Island View Golf Club
7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia

Mark your calendar for the inaugural CFCC Celebration of Philanthropy Dinner. We hope you will join us to celebrate our community and honor individuals and organizations that have generously contributed to making it a great place to live, work and play.
Fall on the Farm

Saturday, September 23 | 10AM-2PM
Historic Andrew Peterson Farm
8060 Hwy 5, Waconia

SAVE THE DATE...family fun on the farm sponsored by Thrivent. There will be farm animals, demonstrations, kids games and more! Please bring a nonperishable food item item for the Gather & Grow Waconia Food Shelf.
Free Rookie Camp

Camp #1: Sept 30 | 8:00AM-9:00AM & Oct 1 | 8:15AM-9:15AM
Camp #2: Oct 14 | 8:00-9:00AM & Oct 15 | 8:15AM -9:15AM
Waconia Ice Arena
1250 Oak Ave, Waconia 

Waconia Hockey Association is excited to offer Rookie Camp this fall! This camp will give players new to the game of hockey a chance to get on the ice for fun skills and drills. 

Rookie camp is FREE and for those players ages 4 and up who have never played for an Association OR are participating in the MN Little Wild Learn to Play program this fall. Equipment is available to borrow if needed!
Silent Auction Donations Needed & Gala Save the Date

Save the Date: Thursday, November 16

Auburn Homes & Services, together with Moravian Care Foundation, invite you to participate in the 2023 Festival of Trees: Walking in a Winter Wonderland. The Gala will be held on Thursday, November 16, at Bavaria Downs in Chaska.

Please consider a Silent Auction Donation. When you provide an item, we will place it in a beautifully packaged basket and provide you with the recognition you deserve for your donation. However large or small, every gift is appreciated and will help make this year’s Festival of Trees a huge success! Thank you for your support!

Questions? Contact the 2023 Silent Auction Committee:
Krista Buesgens Phone: 952-227-0494 Email: [email protected]
Molly Sandas Phone: 952-361-0455 Email: [email protected]
Signup for the Waconia Scarecrow Tour

Registration Deadline: September 29
Tour: October 12-22

With fall approaching, it's time for the 16th Annual Waconia Scarecrow Tour. Hosting a scarecrow is a chamber-member benefit. The self-guided Scarecrow Tour is a great outdoor activity for the whole family and last year nearly 400 ballots were returned. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase Waconia businesses and organizations and bring people out to explore Waconia.
2022 Scarecrow Tour Grand Prize Winner
Rebound Orthotics & Prosthetics | The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Upcoming Events
September Chamber Luncheon

Burgers & Badges - Honoring our Hometown Heroes

Thursday, September 28 | 11:30AM - 1:00PM
Island View Golf Club | 7795 Laketown Parkway
Catered by: Vandy's Grille

Presenters:
Ambulance Director Mark Anderson, Ridgeview
Fire Chief Justin Sorensen, Waconia Fire Department
Sgt. Tyler Stahn, Carver County Sheriff’s Office

We’ll hear from our local first responders, and also recognize and express gratitude for their dedication, commitment, and heroism.  

Interested in sponsoring this Luncheon? Click the button below for details.

Cost: $30/member, $40/not yet member
Deadline to register: Monday, September 25
Chamber Calendar - September 2023
SEPTEMBER 7 Coffee Connection, 7:30AM-9:00AM@Waconia 1 Collision
SEPTEMBER 13 Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30AM-1:00PM
SEPTEMBER 15 NIckle Dickle Eve Street Dance, 7:00PM @Waconia City Lot #1
SEPTEMBER 16 62nd Annual NIckle Dickle Day, 8:00AM-5:00PM @Downtown Waconia
SEPTEMBER 21 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Waconia City Hall
SEPTEMBER 28 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30-AM-1:00PM
Holiday Office Hours

In observance of Labor Day, the Waconia Chamber office will be closed on Monday, September 4th. Have a great holiday weekend!
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812