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Scarecrow Tour: October 8-18
The leaves are falling, and the weather is cooling, that means the Waconia Scarecrow Tour is back! This fall favorite tradition is a self-guided tour that’s free, fun, and a family-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors this season. Pick up a ballot at any participating business or get one online at DestinationWaconia.org and vote for your favorite!
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Happy National Manufacturing Day!
Friday, October 2
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.
Here’s a look at some of the ways we’ve been celebrating and highlighting local manufacturing over the past few weeks.
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Groundbreaking at
TMC Industries
| | Ribbon Cutting at Cabinetworks Group | | Coffee Connection at
Bywater Business Solutions | | Celebrating 35 years of business at
Modern Design Cabinetry | | A Message from the President | | |
What's Happening this Fall!
We braved the rain, Nickle Dickle Day proved this community shows up, podcasts, candidates, scarecrows, and the products made right here at home: here’s to everything happening this fall!
Grateful for all who celebrated the 65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day
We're incredibly grateful to everyone who came out for the 65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day! An extra big thank you goes to the volunteers that came out in the rain to set up. Nickle Dickle Day brings our community together, plays a significant economic impact to our local businesses, and is our biggest fundraiser of the year. One of the special highlights this year was to watch our young entrepreneurs in action selling hand-made products at the inaugural Youth Makers Market. While it wasn’t an ideal morning for collector cars, we were still impressed that 200 cars came out for the 40th Annual Nickle Dickle Collector Car Show! To every vendor, volunteer, sponsor, and visitor: THANK YOU!
Showing Up This Election Season
It's election season; thanks to everyone who joined us for the Meet the Candidates Luncheon. Staying informed and engaged makes our community thrive. Check out candidate info on the DestinationWaconia.org website.
New Podcast Episode Out Now
Episode 4 of Destination Waconia: The Podcast is here! Take a listen to Part 2 of the Coney Island story with Sam Pertz of Carver County Parks and Jimmy Mase of In Towne Marina.
It's Fall, Y'all! Scarecrow Season Oct. 8-18
Get outside and enjoy the season with the Waconia Scarecrow Tour, free fall fun for the whole family. Visit the nearly 50 participating businesses, vote for your favorite, and enjoy the pop of fall colors around town.
Celebrating National Manufacturing Month
October is National Manufacturing Month, and we're celebrating what's made here in the Waconia region through local growth and expansion projects in manufacturing! We hope you can join us at our October 22nd Chamber Luncheon for a panel discussion with local manufacturing leaders. You'll discover the products made in our area, hear the company stories behind them, and learn about the in-demand, high-paying jobs in our local community.
We appreciate you - thank you for making the Waconia area such a special place to live, work, and have some fun.
Happy October!
-Christine
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Waconia Voting Guide
Watch the Waconia Chamber's Meet the Candidates Luncheon and learn more about candidates running for local office, including Waconia City Council, Waconia Mayor, Carver County Sheriff, Minnesota House of Representatives District 48A, and Minnesota Senate District 48 on DestinationWaconia.org's election page.
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Minnesota Permanent School Fund
A proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the November 3 ballot regarding how funds from the Permanent School Fund are distributed to Minnesota school districts. Check out this fact sheet for more information about the fund, the proposed amendment and what it could mean for local schools. For more information you can visit www.minnesotaPSFamendment.org
| | Destination Waconia: The Podcast | |
New Podcast Episode!
Coney Island Part II
Join us as we sit down with Sam Pertz, Carver County Parks, and Jimmy Mase, In Towne Marina, for Part II of our Coney Island of the West conversation. We'll talk about what brings people to Coney Island and Lake Waconia today, what people are doing and experiencing there, and what makes the island such a special part of the community.
Listen on your favorite podcast streaming channel or watch on our YouTube Channel!
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| Click here to watch a preview! | | The Springs Wellness Center | |
Primary contact: Trisha Hayden
952-333-3569
thespringsmn.com
hello@thespringsmn.com
The staff at The Springs Wellness Center, a beautiful boutique wellness space, is devoted to helping their clients slow down and experience restoration that supports health and vitality. Their menu of services ensures that you will find support that feels right for you.
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Primary contact: Crystal Jensen
612-208-8314
20W Main Street, Waconia
coniescandies.com
Coney's is colorful, whimsical, and a sweet taste of Waconia history. Stop in for treats from all over the world and an experience that’s sure to bring out your inner kid.
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Primary contact: Becky Kutz
952-446-9090
6683 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia
freshwater.church
info@freshwaterchurch.org
Congratulations to Freshwater Church on your beautiful new space and building! We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with you and wish you continued growth in your new home.
| | | Wild Rose Tattooing & Piercing | |
Primary contact: Vanessa Kurtz Martinson
952-388-9720
24 S Olive St Suite 304, Waconia
wildrosetattooing.com
wildrosetattooing@gmail.com
Wild Rose Tattooing is about more than body art—it’s about creating something meaningful to you. At Wild Rose, you’ll find people who are passionate about what they do, who take their time, and who genuinely care.
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Primary contact: Ryan McDonald
952-412-8125
blackwoodhomeservices.com
blackwoodhomeservices@gmail.com
Blackwood Home Services provides routine, dependable home care so you can spend your time doing the things you enjoy. They offer a variety of plans or on-demand services, making it easy to find the right fit for your home.
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Primary contact: Ellery Becker
952-247-1533
uprootcafe.my.canva.site
uprootcafe26@gmail.com
Uproot Cafe is rooted in plants, coffee, and community. When you pick your favorite morning pick-me-up, why not grab a new plant for your home or office, too?
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1423 Mill Lane, Waconia
(952) 442-1140
TMC Industries broke ground on a new expansion project that will support TMC Industries' growing specialty product services and continued growth in Waconia.
Congratulations to the entire TMC Industries team on this exciting milestone! We look forward to seeing what’s ahead
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10501 W. 10th St, Waconia
cabinetworksgroup.com
Cabinetworks Group opened its new on-site clinic for team members and their families at its Waconia office and manufacturing facility.
Cabinetworks Group is putting people first and investing in the health and well-being of its team. Congratulations to Cabinetworks Group on this exciting new addition! (Photo credit: Cabinetworks Group)
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We appreciate your support!
Thank you to all of our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber. We appreciate your support!
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Boll Custom Concrete
Cultivate Dance Collaborative
Healing Ink & Art
HearingLife
Love INC Carver County
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Marco
Premier Women's Health - OBGYN West
The Otto Apartments
Transport Security
| | Congratulations on your milestone! Wishing you continued success. | | |
65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day
Thank you sponsors & volunteers
Thank you so much for being a part of the Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance and the 65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day!
Whether you sponsored, volunteered your time, or participated you helped make Nickle Dickle Day a vibrant community celebration.
Thanks again for your incredible support!
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Save the date for next year: Saturday, September 18, 2027
Street Dance: Friday, September 17, 2027
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Got a minute? We'd love your feedback! Take a 3-question survey on Nickle Dickle Day. | | | | |
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Nickle Dickle Day Souvenir Cups Available
We have a supply of 10oz Nickle Dickle Day souvenir cups available! Do you have a use for them in your business or organization? Great for dental offices, daycares, restaurants, you name it! Quantities available: 50, 100, 200. Reply to this email to set a time for pickup.
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Retail Committee Meeting
Next meeting: Thurs, Oct. 8 | 9-10:00AM
Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe
138 W 1st St, Waconia
The Retail Committee was buzzing with excitement during our monthly meeting! We had so much fun celebrating Nickle Dickle Day and reflecting on all the energy it brought to Waconia.
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Meet the Candidates
The Waconia Chamber September Luncheon – Meet the Candidates – was held last week, and it was a great opportunity to hear from candidates running for state and local office. Candidates were given time to share their priorities and discuss how they would approach their roles if elected. Thanks to everyone who joined us for this informative lunch!
A special thank you to The Winery at Sovereign Estates for their hospitality and to Bongards for being our Luncheon Sponsor.
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Pumpkin Patch is Open
Lakeside Farm & Flowers
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-12pm | 5pm-dusk
Sundays 4pm-dusk
Lakeside Farm & Flowers Pumpkin Patch is open from Dawn-Dusk and full of decorative varieties and jack-o-lanterns or $7 each! The flower field will remain open until first frost.
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Lakeside Books Nonprofit Bookstore Opens
Friday October 2 | 10:00AM-6:00PM
9 W 1st St (basement)
Waconia, MN
Lakeside Books is opening its doors in downtown Waconia as a welcoming third space built to serve the Waconia and surrounding communities by providing access to books, gathering space, and meaningful connection for all readers and learners alike. Bookstore hours following Grand Opening are as followed: Mondays & Wednesdays–Saturdays 10AM–6PM, Sundays 12–5PM, Tuesdays Closed
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Down on the Farm
Saturday, October 3 | 2-4:00PM
Grandy's Farm
11055 66th St, Waconia
Join Parkside Church on Saturday, October 3 from 2-4PM for FREE cotton candy, yard games, popcorn, hotdogs, farm activities, a prize giveaway, and carnival rides at the Grandy's Farm. Let's enjoy some community together!
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Band Together for a Stronger Community
Saturday, October 3 | 4-9:00PM
The Winery at Sovereign Estate
9950 N Shore Rd, Waconia
Join us Saturday, October 3, from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m. at Sovereign Estate Winery in Waconia for Band Together for Stronger Community, a fundraiser concert benefiting Gather & Grow and Love INC of Carver County. Ragtown opens the evening at 4:30, followed by a line dancing lesson, and a headlining set from Hitchville at 7:30. General admission tickets are $40, VIP packages start at $250, and every ticket helps Carver County families.
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Waconia DandyLions Flannel Fall Crawl
Saturday, October 3 | Check-in: 5-8:00PM
Kicks off at the American Legion
4 E Main St, Waconia
Break out your best flannel and join the Waconia DandyLions for our Flannel Fall Crawl! We're kicking off the season with an evening exploring 5 stops around Waconia, each with exclusive deals just for crawlers.
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Waconia Fire Department Open House
Sunday, October 4 | 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Waconia Fire Department
44 W 1st St, Waconia
The annual Waconia Fire Department Open House is coming up and community members are all invited. Come enjoy a light lunch, family-friendly activities, fire truck rides, and an opportunity to explore the station and learn more about the Waconia Fire Department. Bring the whole family and meet the firefighters who help keep our community safe. We hope to see you there!
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5th Annual Fall Festival
Sunday, October 4 | 12-2:00PM
Gather & Grow
11 S Elm St, Waconia
Come take advantage of the complimentary falls photos, get your free pumpkins with a donation to the foodshelf and visit with all the local vendors, sign up for raffle prizes, dress up in your best Halloween costume to walk away with a sweet prize, throw bean bags, shop through town and enjoy a beautiful fall day!
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Old National Bank host Client Appreciation Week
October 5-10, 2026
Old National Bank
53 W Main St, Waconia
We want to show our appreciation! Stop by your local Old National banking center during business hours October 5-10 and join us in giving back to our clients and communities. We'll have treats, giveaways, and FREE shredding stations for fun, safe document disposal. Did we mention we'll also have a drawing to win a$10,000 GRAND PRIZE. We'll see you there!
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Hope in Style: A Fall Fashion Show + Market
Wednesday, October 7 | 4-8:00PM
Schram Vineyards
8785 Airport Rd, Waconia
Join us for a fun and inspiring Fall Fashion Event benefiting Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation! Spend the evening sipping, shopping, and celebrating our community as local boutiques and fashion businesses showcase fresh fall looks. Browse vendor pop-ups, discover new styles, and hear from speakers, podcasters, and local advocates who are passionate about supporting women and families impacted by breast cancer. Tickets are $10 with a portion of proceeds benefiting Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation.
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One Day Only - Fall Family Sessions
Jamie Joos Photography
Saturday, October 24
Lowry Nature Center
Fall sessions: 20-minute sessions, 3 professionally edited digital images, $275. Fall in Minnesota doesn't stick around for long and neither will these sessions! I'll guide you through the entire session, so you don't have to worry about posing, getting everyone to look perfect, or knowing what to do.
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Coney's Candies Trick-or-Treat
Call for Participating Businesess
Saturday, October 31 | 1-3:00PM
Calling all downtown businesses! Coney's is organizing a fun afternoon of trick-or-treating for the littles, complete with a “Find Boo!” scavenger hunt through local businesses.
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No special promotion or offer is needed from your business! Just open your doors, hand out some candy, and enjoy a fun way to bring families into your store and introduce them to your business.
If you'd like to participate, email Crystal at Coney's through the link below.
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SHIP Project Interest Form Now Open
Carver County’s Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) Project Interest Form is now open for the upcoming grant cycle. Interested organizations can visit the SHIP website to explore project ideas, review funding guidelines and learn more about the application process. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Carver County SHIP Workplace Wellness Consultant at kkeykal@advantagehealth.com
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SAVE THE DATE
Chamber Advantage: Unlock Your Benefits
Wednesday, November 4 | 10-11:30AM
Waconia Chamber Office
Learn about the programs, benefits and services that are available to chamber members. Whether you are a new member, a longtime member, or a prospective member and want to learn more about membership this is an event for you. Free! Register to reserve your spot.
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Made in Waconia
Celebrating National Manufacturing Month
Thursday, October 22
11:30am-1:00pm
What's made in the Waconia area? More than you think! At our October Chamber Luncheon, you'll see the products made right here, hear the company stories behind them, and learn about the in-demand, high-paying jobs manufacturing brings to our community.
Local Manufacturing Guest Panel Topics:
- Learn about the products that are made in the Waconia area
- Hear the company story
- Find out about the huge impact of manufacturing
- Learn about in-demand & high paying jobs
Cost: $35/member or $45/non-member
Deadline to register: Monday, October 19
| | Chamber Calendar - October 2026 | | |
OCTOBER 8 Retail Committee, 9-10:00AM @Chamber Office
OCTOBER 8-18 19th Annual Waconia Scarecrow Tour, all over Waconia
OCTOBER 13 Tourism Committee, 9-10:00AM @Schram Vineyards
OCTOBER 15 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office
OCTOBER 22 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30-1:00PM
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STAY CONNECTED
@DestinationWaconia
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