|
Nickle Dickle Day Volunteers Needed!
Saturday, September 13 | 8AM-5PM
Nickle Dickle is days away. Please consider volunteering to help us fill the slots few slots!
| VOLUNTEER ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 13: | | |
5:30-9:00AM | Vendor Greeter (2)
City Square Park
6:00-9:00AM | Coffee Sales (2)
City Square Park
| | |
3:00-5:00PM | Pop Booth Sales (2)
Elm & 1st St. OR City Square Park
5:00-6:00PM | Post-Event Cleanup (6)
City Square Park
| | Volunteering at Nickle Dickle Day is a member benefit and a great way to connect with the community while promoting your business! Wear your logo, engage with event-goers, and enjoy being part of one of Waconia’s biggest annual celebrations. | | |
64th Annual Nickle Dickle Day
Saturday, September 13 | 8AM-5PM
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce started Nickle Dickle Day in 1961 as a sidewalk sale to promote local spending and keep a vibrant downtown. Now 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 supports our local businesses and is the largest fundraiser of the year for the chamber and other community organizations. Consideration of your time and treasures is appreciated and helps our community continue to thrive and grow.
| | Watch the Nickle DIckle Day video | | A Message from the President | | |
Rooted In Tradition
Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
It’s that time of year again when the community comes together for one extra special day to celebrate tradition and local spirit – Nickle Dickle Day!
Saturday, September 13, is the 64th annual Nickle Dickle Day, and we have an exciting day planned for everyone to enjoy.
The Pickle Frenzy Contest is back for its second year! Our amazing Waconia restaurants can’t wait for you to come in and try their unique pickle-inspired menu items, from classic Bloody Mary pickles to adventurous creations like pickle ice cream. The community will then have the opportunity to vote on their favorite pickle-infused treat, with the winner receiving a trophy and Pickle Frenzy 2025 Champion bragging rights.
Of course, all of our usual activities will return: the mechanical bull, hockey shoot-a-puck, kids’ DJ entertainment, and demos in the park. You’ll also find an added kid zone in the street, incredible shopping and sidewalk sales, a classic car show, races, duck races, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and the popular Medallion Hunt with clues published in the Waconia Patriot leading up to the event.
| | | |
Since the early 1960s, this event has served as both a celebration of local business and the chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year. Originally a sidewalk sale to promote local spending and keep downtown vibrant, many items sold for only a nickel. ‘Dickle,’ derived from a German word for bartering, was then added. Today, that same energy and local heritage are stronger than ever. Downtown Waconia will come alive with deals, entertainment, and family fun, but not before the weekend kicks off with the Nickle Dickle Day Eve Street Dance on Friday, September 12, featuring IV Play.
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a huge thank you to all who have had a hand in planning the 64th annual Nickle Dickle Day. Numerous committees, organizations, and individuals contribute to making this day possible.
And thank YOU for joining the community in celebration. We look forward to seeing you downtown on Nickle Dickle Day!
We look forward to seeing you downtown as we celebrate 64 years of tradition, community, and fun together.
-Christine
| | Legislative News & Resources | | |
Paid Leave: What Employers Need to Know
Upcoming Webinars
Mark your calendar for these upcoming webinars on Paid Leave. Two sessions are coming up in September:
- Intro to Paid Leave – Thursday, Sept. 11, 12:00–1:00 p.m. CT
- Paid Leave for Third Party Administrators – Friday, Sept. 12, 1:00–2:30 p.m. CT (with the National Payroll Reporting Consortium)
- Virtual Employer Engagement - October 27, 2025
| | |
Film Ready Community
Explore Minnesota is building a statewide Film Location Guide, and Waconia businesses are invited to participate. If your property could be a great filming location, you can submit it to be considered. See the attached flyer for submission guidelines and details.
| | |
Nagomi Massage LLC
Carson Ingle
952-209-4554
548 Cherry Dr, Waconia
c.ingle12@gmail.com
Massage Therapy
Thank you, Rebound Orthotics & Prosthetics, for the referal!
| |  | | Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings | | |
Jeremy Hart
952- 290-0944
17425 62nd St, New Germany
havenwoodmeats.com
customercare@havenwoodmeats.com
Havenwood is a family-owned and locally sourced butcher shop in New Germany, offering farm-to-table meats and handcrafted sausage. They are devoted to bringing you the freshest meat through a network of farming neighbors.
| |
| |
We appreciate your support! - Who are member renewals this month?
Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber.
| | |
All Seasons Garment Care
and Tailoring
BCS, Inc
DHA CPAs
| | |
Frattallone's Hardware
& Garden
Frozen Five Ice Creamery
Lake Life Chiropractic
| | |
Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza
The Main Scoop
| | Congratulations on your milestone!
Wishing you continued success. | | |
Celebrating one year
of business in Waconia!
| | | Do you have a milestone coming up? Let us know - we'd love to celebrate you in the next newsletter! Email ckoubsky@destinationwaconia.org | | |
August Luncheon Recap
State of the Waconia School District
Superintendent Dr. Brian Gersich and the Waconia Public Schools team gave us the scoop on district updates, academic wins, and the November 2025 operating levy referendum. Thanks to Dr. Gersich, Principals Paul Sparby, and teachers Drew Sodey and Roxanne Kuershner for sharing insights on all the great things happening at WHS. Click here for the referendum fact sheet.
| | | Shoutout to Cafe 110 for the delicious lunch and Principal Keith Baune at Laketown Elementary for hosting! | | |
Women's Connect
The August Women's Connect focused on leaning into difficult conversations with guest speaker Britney Cole, Chief Innovation Officer at Blanchard. Her insights on staying candid and curious left us inspired and ready for growth. A huge thank you to The Uptown Apartments for hosting us in their beautiful space!
Save the date for the next Women's Connect on Monday, November 10.
| | | |
Waconia Young Professionals
Thank you to everyone who came out for the Inaugural Waconia Young Professionals Pickleball Tournament. It was all about fun, networking, and a little friendly competition!
Save the date for the next WYP dates:
- September 23, 3:330-5:00PM at The Winery at Sovereign Estate
- October 29, 3:30-5:00PM, more details coming soon
| | | |
Invitation to contribute to the Welcome Goodie Bags for New ISD 110 Teachers
Help us welcome our newest Teachers to Waconia! If you would like to contribute to a welcome gift and showcase your business, please email Lisa Olson at lolson@isd110.org by Friday, September 19 if you have questions or would like to participate. Anything from company swag to coupons would be greatly appreciated for the 16-20 new teachers starting this year. Thank you!
| | |
Lakeview Clinic Expansion
Lakeview Clinic in Waconia will break ground this fall on a major expansion and renovation to enhance patient care and prepare for future growth. Improvements include redesigned parking, expanded clinical areas, and modernized interiors. The clinic will remain open throughout the entire process.
| | |
Deardorff Orchards Now Open!
Saturdays & Sundays | 12:00-6:00PM
Deardorff Orchards
8282 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia
From selling apples out of the back of a pickup truck in 1982 to today's modern, historic barn, Deardorff Orchards and Vineyards has been a Waconia favorite for over 40 years. Partnering with Parley Lake Winery for the past 20 years, they proudly serve award-winning wines alongside their fresh, locally grown apples. They'll feature Zestar, SweetTango, and Honeycrisp varieties. Open for the season now!
| |
Rookie Hockey Camp
September 6 & 7 | Time Varies
Waconia Ice Arena
1250 Oak Ave, Waconia
Waconia Hockey Association is excited to host Rookie Camp this fall! This free camp gives kids ages 4+ who are brand new to hockey the chance to hit the ice for fun, skills, and drills. Two sessions are offered: Sept. 6–7 and Oct. 4–5 at Waconia Ice Arena. Jerseys, socks, and loaner equipment are available. Space is limited, and priority is given to players new to the sport.
Visit the WHA Hockey "Shoot-A-Puck" booth at Nickle Dickle Day - their sponsorship support is appreciated!
| |
Waconia Brewing Company - Oktoberfest Party
Saturday, September 6 | 11:00AM - 10:00PM
Waconia Brewing Company
255 W Main St, Waconia
Join us for a festive day filled with German-inspired fun, cold beer, and good vibes. Enjoy limited-edition custom steins by John the Potter (while supplies last), Oktoberfest beer, a stein holding contest, delicious eats from Sweet Winks, and traditional tunes. It’s one of our biggest events of the year—don’t miss it!
| |
Grape Stomp at Schram Vineyards
And NEW logo!
Sunday, September 7 | 11:00AM - 6:00PM
Schram Vineyards
8785 Airport Rd Waconia
Schram Vineyards is pleased to host our 4th annual Grape Stomp event! Teams of 2 can register to compete in the stomping of the grapes and general attendees are encouraged to attend and cheer them on while enjoying the beautiful wine country, food, shopping and music! We'll have opportunities to try grape harvesting right off the vines and casual grape stomping bins for both little and big feet! Doors open at 11:00am, stomping competitions start at 12:30pm, Traveled Ground will play from 12:30-4:30pm, and our SV Kitchen will be serving up delicious brick-oven pizzas and food all day!
| |
CFCC Celebration of Philanthropy Dinner
Wednesday, September 10 | 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Chaska Event Center
3210 Chaska Blvd.
The Community Foundation for Carver County would like to invite you to 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.
This year, we will be presenting Awards in Philanthropy to Darrel Sudheimer, Elroy Latzig, and Swagelok Minnesota. Their contributions of time, talent, and resources have made a significant difference across Carver County, and we are honored to be recognizing them for everything they have done.
| | |
Fall on the Farm
Saturday, September 20 | 10:00AM-2:00PM
Historic Andrew Peterson Farm
8060 State Hwy 5, Waconia
Come out to the Historic Andrew Peterson Farmstead for farmyard animals, including some absolutely loveable llamas, outdoor cooking brought to you by the Carver County Parks Service, and an appearance from the Scott Carver Threshers!
| | |
Carver County Historical Society Annual Fall Fun(d)raiser
Saturday, September 27 | 6:00PM-8:00PM
Andrew Peterson Farm
8060 MN-5, Waconia
Join CCHS for its annual fundraiser at the Peterson Farmstead! Enjoy live music from Traveled Ground, great food and wine, a silent auction, and plenty of laughs with MC Joel Landskroener. This adults-only evening is limited to 100 tickets—don’t miss it!
| | |
2nd Annual Carver County Pride Festival
Saturday, September 20 | 11:00AM-3:00PM
Carver County Fairgrounds
501 W 3rd St, Waconia
Celebrate love, identity, and community at the 2025 Carver County Pride Festival! Join us for a family-friendly day filled with entertainment, local vendors, a car show, and activities that uplift and unite.
| | |
CareerForce Chaska Hosts a Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator Workshop
Tuesday, September 23 | 9:00AM-1:00PM
CareerForce Chaska
602 East Fourth St., Chaska
CareerForce Chaska, in collaboration with the Minneapolis Chamber, is hosting a Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator Workshop. The Accelerator program supports employers in Minnesota who want to adopt skills-based practices to attract, hire, retain, and promote quality talent.
| |
|
Waconia 1 Collision & Auto Grand Re-Opening
Wednesday, September 24 | 3:00PM-6:00PM
Waconia 1 Collision & Auto
524 S Elm St, Waconia
Come celebrate with us as we open the doors to our newly upgraded shop! Whether you’re a longtime customer or just curious, we’d love to welcome you in person. Stop by for our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 4:30, meet our friendly team, enjoy behind-the-scenes shop tours, and grab free food and drinks from a local food truck—on us!
| | |
Community Appreciation Day at MidCountry
Thursday, September 25 | 11:30AM-1:00PM
MidCountry Bank
200 E Frontage Rd, Waconia
Please stop by MidCountry Bank in Waconia on September 25th for their Community Appreciation Event! Enjoy free lunch and refreshments! The Waconia Branch will be serving Papa Murphys Pizza from 11:00am – 1:30pm. You may also enter to win a variety of prizes! Visit the Waconia branch for complete details. We hope to see you there!
| | |
Ridgeview Welcomes New Providers to Waconia Campus
| |
Lakeview Clinic Welcomes new Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Prasun Mandal, DO, is a family medicine physician, providing preventive care, acute care, complex care, and in-office procedures for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment, call 952.442.4461.
| | |
List your jobs on DestinatonWaconia.org
Did you know Chamber members can post their job openings on DestinationWaconia.org? Share your opportunities with the community and find your next great hire!
| | |
September Chamber Luncheon
Empowering Communities: The Vital Role of Nonprofits
Thursday, September 25 | 11:30AM-1:00PM
Crown College
8700 College View Dr, St. Bonifacius
Panel speakers to be announced
Cost: $35/member, $45/not yet member
Deadline to register: Monday, September 22
| | |
18th Annual Waconia Scarecrow Tour
Sign up today!
Tour Dates: October 9-19
Deadline to enter: Friday, September 26
It's time for the 18th Annual Waconia Scarecrow Tour. This year's tour is October 9-19. 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 600 ballots were returned. Don't miss this opportunity to drive the community to your front door!
| | Chamber Calendar - September 2025 | | |
SEPTEMBER 12 Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance, 7PM @Main St & Vine St
SEPTEMBER 13 64th Annual Nickle Dickle Day, 8AM-5PM @Downtown Waconia
SEPTEMBER 18 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office
SEPTEMBER 23 Waconia Young Pros, 3:30-5PM @The Winery at Sovereign Estate
SEPTEMBER 25 Nonprofit Luncheon, 11:30-1:00PM @Crown College
| | |
STAY CONNECTED
@DestinationWaconia
| |
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
| | | | |
