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21ST ANNUAL SISTER SATURDAY

Saturday, May 10th

9:00AM - 4:00PM

Specials all over town at shops, bars, and restaurants! Plan your ladies’ shopping and dining day in May with all-day deals & steals at over 30 participating Waconia businesses.

9:00AM Strolling Swag Bag Giveaway

Frattallone's Hardware & Garden or Ruthie's House Vintage

50 at each location!

*NEW!* We’re shaking things up this year with an interactive twist on the Sister Saturday Swag Bags! Pick up a bag and stroll from shop to shop to collect goodies from participating businesses.

*See website for Strolling Swag Bag details!

American Legion

Bode Gray’s

Elite Nutrition / Wild Poppy Boutique

Frattallone's Hardware & Garden

Garage Bar & Bowl

Healing Ink & Art

Home Again Furnishings

HomeTown Bank

Hopper’s Bar and Grill

Hustle & Heart Sports

Infinity Diamond Jewelers

Iron Tap

Lakehouse Candle Co

Lakeside Loft

Lola’s Lakehouse

Mackenthun’s Fine Food

Magnolia North

Main St. Floral

Mainstream Boutique

Mocha Monkey

Mystic Fortress Games

Nice Shirt Co.

Pangea Cafe

Paws Inn Pet Essentials

Ruthie’s House Vintage

Shape It Up Fitness & Athleisure Boutique

Shop Chicks Co

Soulful Smoothies

The Stash

Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe

Waconia Brewing Company

Join the Nickle Dickle Day Chamber Planning Committee

Want to help shape one of Waconia’s biggest events? Join the Nickle Dickle Day Planning Committee and help with the pop booth, arts & crafts fair, and street dance. It’s a fun way to get involved, share ideas, and support the Waconia Chamber as we plan this long-standing community tradition that brings thousands of people downtown each fall.

Interested in joining? Reach out to Bobbi at bgrohmann@destinationwaconia.org.

A Message from the President

Fresh & New this Spring



Christine Fenner

President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce

After a long winter comes the excitement of “fresh and new.” Our local boutiques are filled with colorful prints and new spring fashion! We are gearing up for a packed season of outdoor events. This time of year is all about celebration, growth, and looking ahead to what’s next at the Waconia Chamber.

Celebrations & Growth

As the school year is coming to a close, we’re proud to honor the accomplishments of local students. One of the highlights is our upcoming 5th Annual Work Works Signing Day, where we recognize and celebrate students’ decision to enter the workforce post-graduation with a local company in the area of manufacturing and trades. We’re also proud to present scholarships in a couple weeks to high school students with outstanding accomplishments and attributes. continue reading...

Legislative News & Resources

Monday, May 5, 2025

Southwest Metro Employer Session

8:30am – 10:00am

Eden Prairie Schools Valley View Property

11840 Valley View Rd. Eden Prairie

Register for the event

Monday, May 19, 2025

Hutchinson Employer Session

10:00am – 11:30am

Crow River Golf Club

915 Colorado St. NW, Hutchinson

Register for the event

Chamber Day at the Capitol Recap

Chamber Day at the Capitol, led by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, included conversations with business leaders to listen & advocate for policies that foster growth, innovation and prosperity.

Pictured below:

Todd Hann (HomeTown Bank), Waconia Chamber President Christine Fenner, State Senator Julia Coleman, Kelly Dohm of (Melchert Hubert Sjodin) and Lisa Steinbauer (Ridgeview)

Welcome New Members

Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings

Member Renewals

We appreciate your support!

Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber. We are looking forward to 2025!

Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Institute PA

Brush Dental Studio

Candie Clouds

Icon Orthodontics

Jamie Joos Photography

MinneGlass

Nagel Assisted Living & Memory Care

Scooters Coffee

Senior Living Insights

Sota Shine

Soulful Smoothies Cafe

More Chamber News

April Luncheon Recap

Social Media Storytelling for Your Business



Thanks to everyone who joined us for this month's Luncheon: Storytelling for Your Business. Speakers Jon Schmidt (Mocha Monkey) and Kristine Wolhowe (KristineAnna Photography) shared insights and tips.

Lunch catered by Jersey Mike's Subs.

Waconia Works

5th Annual Waconia Works Signing Day

Tuesday, May 6 | 7:00 - 8:00AM

Waconia High School

1650 Community Drive, Waconia

Join us for the 5^th Annual Waconia Works Signing Day; an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Waconia High School seniors for their decision to enter the workforce post-graduation with a local company in the area of manufacturing or trades; and to highlight the local businesses that provide those opportunities. The event will feature WHS grads and past signee participants, and the ceremonial signing of commitments by students from the Class of 2025. It’s a chance to show our support for the next generation of workforce leaders. 

Member News & Happenings

ATTENTION REALTORS! - Add Property Listings Online!

The Chamber is thrilled to announce the launch of a new online platform, designed to spotlight local realtors and serve as a go-to resource for home buyers! Realtors, showcase your property listings on DestinationWaconia.org and tap into an incredible audience - 166,000 page views in the past year. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with future clients.

Playing at Emagine Theatre Waconia This Weekend

101 W 1st St, Waconia

• A Minecraft Movie
• Sinners
• The Accountant 2
• The Amateur
• The King of Kings
• Thunderbolts

Parley Lake Winery Opening Weekend

May 2: 4-8:00PM

May 3-4: 12-6:00PM

Parley Lake Winery

8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia

THIS WEEKEND is Opening Weekend at Parley Lake Winery! You won't want to miss this weekend filled with live music, Arbor Day Celebrations, gathering, and of course...wine!

Friday, May 2nd: Live Music with The Barn Cats from 5 -7PM

Saturday, May 3rd: Arbor Day Celebration from 10 - 6pm and Live Music with Matt McAllister from 2 - 5PM

Sunday, May 4th: Live Music with @Russell Schmidt from 2 -5PM

Waconia Lions Free Document Shredding

Saturday, May 3 | 8AM-11AM



The Waconia Lions Club is sponsoring a FREE document shredding event on Saturday May 3rd from 8 AM to 11 AM in the northeast corner of Mackenthun's parking lot. Don't miss out on your chance to recycle all your old documents!

Traffic Alert - Lola's Half Marathon

Saturday, May 3 | 7:30AM-12:00PM

On the morning of Saturday, May 3 from 7:30am to noon, runners will fill the roads around Lake Waconia for the 12th annual Lola's Lake Waconia Half Marathon. Please expect travel delays and increased congestion in the area as we come together to support Gather & Grow's mission of providing fresh, nutritious food to those in need. We invite you to join the fun - come out and cheer on the runners as they make their way around the lake! Thank you for your support.

Grand Opening at Elite Nutrition

Saturday, May 3 | 9:00AM-3:000PM

Elite Nutrition

36 W Main St, Waconia

Join us for our grand opening SATURDAY MAY 3RD! We will have so much fun stuff happening - permanent jewelry and hat bar pop ups, shake and tea specials. You will not want to miss it!

Kentucky Derby Party at Schram Vineyards

Saturday, May 3 | 3-7:00PM

Schram Vineyards

8785 Airport Rd, Waconia

Get ready to saddle up and sip in style at Schram Vineyards for our Kentucky Derby Party! Join us for a day of high-spirited fun as we celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports in true southern fashion. Dust off your fascinators and don your dapper duds for an afternoon of sophistication and excitement. As the horses thunder down the track, you can catch every thrilling moment on the outdoor JUMBOTRON.

Kentucky Derby Cocktail Class & Watch Party

Saturday, May 3 | 4:30-7:00PM

J. Carver Distillery

1320 Mill Lane, Waconia

It’s that time of year! Horses, hats, roses, and of course, Mint Juleps! Together, we will learn how to build and sample delicious Kentucky Derby themed cocktails and tasty food while watching the Kentucky Derby at J. Carver Distillery. Class instruction will include learning the techniques of how to build delicious Kentucky Derby cocktails including the Mint Julep, Bootlegger, Kentucky Buck, and Trifecta Old Fashioned. We will have some special surprises for you to enjoy while watching the race!

Purse Bingo to Support Southern Valley Alliance

Sunday, May 4 | 3-5:00PM

Shakopee VFW

1201 3rd Ave E, Shakopee

Vera Bradley Purse Bingo at the Shakopee VFW! All proceeds support Southern Valley Alliance's mission to advocate for survivors of domestic violence in Scott and Carver counties. $30 packets, cash only. No registration required. Arrive early!

Mackenthun's Charity golf Event Silent Auction

Closes May 5

Our 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament is Monday, May 5 and we have opportunities for non golfers to participate. Get ready to bid and win!!! Amazing Silent Auction items and raffles are live now for our Charity Golf Event! Don't miss your chance to score big while supporting our local food shelves!!

Click on the link below to join the fun!!

Women's Connect

Monday, May 12 | 11:30AM-1:00PM

The Otto

601 Industrial Blvd, Waconia

Join women business leaders and entrepreneurs on discussion topics that focus on personal growth, decision-making, and leading through uncertainty. Small group discussions will include business ownership, scaling smart, marketing and branding, collaboration and partnerships, followed by a large group discussion.

FREE Minnesota Twins Youth Baseball Clinic

Saturday, May 17 | 9-11:00AM

Brook Peterson Park

1400 Oak Ave, Waconia

The summer of 2025 will be the 64th season that the Minnesota Twins and the Twins Community Fund, in partnership with Great River Energy, will offer free youth baseball and softball clinics. Our Youth Clinics teach fundamentals of the game, including but not limited to hitting, throwing, and fielding. Along with reinforcing important frameworks, clinics spread the JOY and FUN of baseball and softball. The clinics are for kids ages 6-12. 

Volunteers Wanted - Baseball Day MN at Waconia Lions Field

Saturday, May 17

Waconia Lions Field

927 Wildcat Way

Please consider volunteering for the 2025 PBR Minnesota Prep Baseball Day MN in Waconia on Saturday, May 17th. The premier HS event of the season at the National Award Winning Waconia Lions Field.

Waconia Rodeo Window Decorating Contest

May 19-June 1

Get creative and decorate your business windows in a rodeo theme. Have your staff wear western-themed apparel. Extreme Events MN will provide each participant with Rodeo tickets to giveaway. Plus, prizes will be award to the best display - judged by the Rodeo royalty! Interested in participating? Email Dee at Waconia Brewing Company at ddelange@waconiabrewing.com.

Never Bored Adventures Opens Soon

Mark your calendar to get out on Lake Waconia with Never Bored Adventures this summer- opening for the season soon!

Electrifying Minnesota - Traveling Exhibit at the CCHS

Now thru August 23

Carver County Historical Society

55 W 1st St, Waconia

Imagine lighting your home with the flick of a switch for the first time! Electrifying Minnesota, an exhibit from the Bakken Museum and the Minnesota History Center, combines film, photography and hands-on activities to demonstrate the amazing ways electricity has shaped life in Minnesota.

See Electrifying Minnesota May 1 to August 23, 2025 at the Carver County Historical Society!

ISD110 Wildcat Preschool Program & Kids Company 2025-2026 Registration

Calling all cubs who want to be a Wildcat! Waconia Wildcat Preschool offers 2, 3, 4 and 5 day a week class options for children who are 3-5 years of age as of Sept. 1.  Registration is now open.

See our website for more information. 

Temporary Dakota Rail Regional Trail Closure Begins Next Week

A section of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail between Mayer and Highway 10 will temporarily be closed beginning May 5 through June 2 as crews complete surface repairs. While the County hopes to reopen the trail sooner, the closure may last through the full duration. A detour will not be offered during this time. Trail users are encouraged to plan alternative routes and avoid the construction area.

Now Hiring

Waconia Public Schools Hiring Kids' Company Aide

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Educational Supervisor and the guidance of the Kids' Company Site Lead, the Kids' Company Aide is responsible for engagement with students. If playing outdoors, walks, trips to the beach and parks sound fun this would be a great job for you! We are seeking responsible youth who like providing leadership and a positive relationship with our young children. Scheduling is flexible and there are no nights or weekends involved.  

Waconia Comfort Hiring

Residential HVAC Service Tech - Level 3

To provide maintenance and repairs on a wide variety of residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems according to company standards providing the customer with a high-quality experience. Assist with training Service Technicians Entry Level – Level 2.

Post your jobs on DestinationWaconia.org

and the Waconia Works Facebook Page.

Waconia Events Calendar

Mark your calendars for these fun events happening in Waconia this year! For more events and details, visit DestinationWaconia.org.

If you have an upcoming event, add it to the Community Calendar. Click for instructions to add your event.

SAVE THE DATE!

19th Annual Waconia Open

Monday, July 14 | 11:00AM shotgun

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

19th Annual Waconia Open

Monday, July 14 | 11:00AM

Island View Golf Club

7795 Laketown Pwky, Waconia

The 19th Annual Waconia Open is set for Monday, July 14. The tournament kicks off with an 11:00 AM shotgun start, and this year with a Wild West twist. So round up your team and get ready for a rootin’-tootin’ good time! Registration is open now!

Chamber Luncheon

- May Luncheon -

Mental Health Matters

Thursday, May 29 | 11:30AM-1:00PM

Island View Golf Club

7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia

Guest speakers: Matthew Herold, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Ridgeview and Heather Johnson, Director, Mental Health Services, Ridgeview



Mental health is taking its toll on families right here in our community. But we’re not alone. Ridgeview faces the same challenges as other providers throughout the state and nation. Mental health resources are strained and lack of access to mental health care has reached a crisis level.

Dr. Matthew Herold and Heather Johnson will address the current state of mental health needs in our community and provide an introduction to Ridgeview’s new services.

Deadline to register: Monday, May 26

Know of a business leader that could benefit from this luncheon? Invite them to lunch with you. They're lunch is complimentary and your next luncheon will be free! Email to ckoubsky@destinationwaconia.org to register.

Chamber Calendar - May 2024

MAY 6 Waconia Works Signing Day, 7-8:00PM @Wacoina High School

MAY 8 Retail Meeting, 9-10AM @Chamber Office

MAY 10 21st Annual Sister Saturday, 9AM-4PM @All around Waconia

MAY 12 Women's Connect, 11:30AM-1PM @The Otto

MAY 15 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office

MAY 29 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Island View Golf Club

STAY CONNECTED

@DestinationWaconia