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Nickle Dickle Day Volunteers Needed! Saturday, September 14
Only 7 days to go until the 63rd Annual Nickle Dickle Day on September 14! We’re in need of volunteers to fill a few last slots.
VOLUNTEER ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 14:
5:30-8:30AM | Vendor Traffic Control
City Square Park
2:30-4:00PM | Mechanical Bull Support
1st and Olive St
5:00-6:00PM | Post-Event Cleanup
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.
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63rd Annual Nickle Dickle Day
Saturday, September 14 | 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.
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Bars, Restaurants & Shops:
Share Your Nickle Dickle Deals
Get the word out about your Nickle Dickle Day deals! Post your deals in the Shop Waconia and Eat Local - Waconia Area Facebook Groups. This is a perfect opportunity to promote your business and attract shoppers during one of Waconia’s biggest events of the year. Let’s show everyone why shopping local is the best!
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Watch Nickle Dickle Day video | |
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Introducing - the Nickle Dickle Pickle Frenzy
What’s it all about?
It’s a fun contest designed to highlight Waconia’s amazing restaurants, bars, food trucks, and libations while celebrating Nickle Dickle Day. We want to showcase the best pickle-inspired creations you have on your menu!
How can you participate?
We’re looking for your favorite pickle-themed items, whether it’s a classic pickle garnish in a Bloody Mary, pickles on a burger, or even something wild like pickle ice cream. If it features or is accompanied by pickles, we want to hear about it! There is still time to join the Pickle Frenzy fun! To participate, email Ashley at aklatte-olson@destinationwaconia.org.
How do people vote?
People will vote for their favorites by liking various options via a QR Code. The restaurant with the most likes will be crowned the winner. We’ll promote this through our social channels and marketing materials, and you’re welcome to share it too. Competition starts today and ends on Nickle Dickle Day.
What’s the prize?
The winner will receive bragging rights, a traveling trophy, and recognition during Nickle Dickle Day.
To participate, email Ashley at aklatte-olson@destinationwaconia.org.
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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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All Seasons Garment Care and Tailoring
Shape It Up Fitness & Athleisure Boutique
The Main Scoop
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A Message from the President | | |
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Origins of Nickle Dickle Day
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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In a recent interview with one of the original founders of Nickle Dickle Day, Paul Melchert, I had the privilege of diving into the history of how this beloved Waconia tradition came to be. The concept for Nickle Dickle Day was born from a simple question: How do we get people to shop downtown for a great deal?
The Birth of a Waconia Tradition
In the early 1960s, business owners in Waconia sought to create an event that would draw people into town, offering both fun and promotions. According to Melchert the idea originated at a meeting of local merchants at the Waco Café, which today is known as the Iron Tap. There, merchants gathered to brainstorm, and later meetings were held at City Hall. The common goal was to bring more foot traffic to local businesses. The merchants knew they needed to offer something special to attract people to Waconia’s streets.
With card tables set up on the sidewalks, the businesses in town offered promotions. These early efforts laid the groundwork for what would become one of Waconia’s signature events. Continue reading...
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Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings | |
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Primary contact: Matt Thoraldson
(952) 220-2993
24 S Olive St, Ste 302, Waconia
matt@madmusclegarage.com
madmusclegarage.com
Matt, owner of Mad Muscle Garage, specializes in classic and collector cars, offering a range of services including consignment sales, appraisals, and inspections. In addition, MMG provides comprehensive automotive services, from routine tune-ups to full restorations, ensuring that every car receives expert care and attention.
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Lakeside Farm and Flowers | |
Primary contact: Kacy Honl
(612) 799-8796
10405 MN-25, Cologne
honl.kacy@gmail.com
Lakeside Farm and Flowers, proudly operated by the Honl family, offers a charming, family-run experience. Spend a relaxing afternoon or evening at their you-pick flower farm, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. And don’t miss out this fall—pumpkins are coming soon!
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New Creations Child Care & Learning Center | |
Primary contact: Brenna Westrich
(763) 710-4723
150 Sparrow Rd, Waconia
info@Newcreationschildcare.com
newcreationschildcare.com
New Creations Child Care & Learning Center provides faith-based, educational childcare designed to nurture young minds. With 20 locations across Minnesota and Iowa, New Creations celebrated the grand opening of their newest location right here in Waconia in August!
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Business Resources & Updates | |
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Downtown Reconstruction Project Update
Stage 1 opening to traffic and parking will be delayed until Tuesday, Sept. 10 to patch the pavement at the 1st St. / Pine St. intersection and the 1st St. / Spruce St. intersection. Next week the contractor will continue pouring sidewalk in Stage 2. Properties have been notified about what locations will be poured on what days. The current schedule for sidewalk pouring may be altered depending on weather conditions. Stage 2 sidewalk will be completed by Sept. 13.
Access
Properties will have access to driveways and alleys at the end of each day. During the workday, best efforts will be made to accommodate regular access as much as possible. Please contact our on-site project representative, Dalmas Omwoyo at 651-728-0312, with any questions, property specific needs or accommodations.
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New Minimum-Wage Rates
From the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, August 28, 2024
Minnesota’s minimum-wage rate will be adjusted for inflation on Jan. 1, 2025, to $11.13 an hour for all employers in the state.
During the 2024 legislative session, Minnesota’s minimum wage law was revised to eliminate the reduced minimum wages applicable for small employers (defined as annual gross revenues less than $500,000), youth under the age of 18 and J-1 visa workers. These minimum wage changes are effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the state’s minimum-wage rate for all employers, including large employers, small employers, youth and J-1 visa wages for hotels, motels and lodging establishments, will increase to $11.13 an hour. The law still allows for a 90-day training wage for workers under age 20. The current hourly training wage, $8.85, will increase to $9.08. These rates reflect a 2.6% increase.
Minnesota law requires employers to display state-mandated posters in a location where employees can easily see them. The new minimum-wage poster will be available for download this fall.
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Women's Connect
At last month's quarterly Waconia Chamber Women’s Connect, we explored the balance between work and life. It’s not just about managing time; it’s about making sure your bucket is full enough to keep going strong.
Special thanks to Sara Kuester and Mindy Antiel of River Valley Behavioral Health and Wellness Center for leading the discussion, Molly Krinhop from St. Boni Bistro for delivering an amazing lunch, and to Miriah Christenson for the wonderful hospitality at The Otto Apartments!
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Meet the Candidates Luncheon
The Waconia Chamber hosted the Meet the Candidates Luncheon on August 29, where attendees heard directly from the candidates running for Waconia City Council, Waconia Mayor, and Minnesota House of Representatives District 48A.
Special thanks to Xcel Energy for sponsoring the luncheon and The Winery at Sovereign Estate for the venue space and hospitality.
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How to Vote
2024 Election Calendar
- September 20, 2024: Early Voting Opens
- November 5, 2024: General Election
Early voting for each election begins 46 days prior to the election. Waconia residents can absentee vote at City Hall Monday-Thursday 7:30AM-4:30PM or Friday 7:30-11:30AM. If you are not a City of Waconia resident (but reside in Carver County) you can absentee vote at the Carver County Government Center in Chaska. Their hours are different than the hours listed above.
To get a sample ballot, simply enter your address into the Secretary of State's website here.
Voting Resources
Here are several important links that you can use to check your registration, request an absentee ballot, and more!
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Waconia Lakers are State Champs!
Congratulations to the Waconia Lakers, the 2024 Minnesota Class C State Amateur Baseball Champions!
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Bode Gray's New Hours
Tuesday-Thursday, 4-9PM
Friday-Saturday, 11AM-9PM
Sunday, 10AM-8PM
New seasonal fall hours start Friday, September 6. We are open all day Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
Bode Gray's Block Party and Live Music
Friday, Sept. 13 | 5:00PM
Bode Gray's
125 1st St. W, Waconia
Join us for a Bode Gray's Block Party with 3 Quarter Country! $10 pizzas, drink specials, and live music in front of Bode Gray's! Street gets closed at 5pm starting with music by Todd Hurst playing from 5-7pm and 3 Quarter Country starts at 7pm. Come early and enjoy drink and food specials at 5!
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Schram Vineyards Grape Stomp
Sunday, Sept. 8 | 11AM-6PM
Schram Vineyards
8785 Airport Rd, Waconia
Let's get JUICY! Schram Vineyards is pleased to be hosting our 3rd annual Grape Stomp event on Sunday, September 8th! There is FREE general admission, but 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. 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 12:00pm, Traveled Ground will play from 12:30-4:30pm, and our SV Kitchen and Food Truck will be serving up delicious treats all day!
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Seafood Boil at The Saloon
Sunday, Sept. 8 | 12-3PM
The Saloon
16 S Elm St, Waconia
Save the date for the Vikings Seafood Boil at the Saloon on Sunday, September 8 from 12PM to 3PM. Brought to you by Chef Nelly. Watch the Minnesota Vikings take on the New York Giants.
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Waconia Masonic Lodge Dedication
Sunday, Sept. 8 | 1:00PM
Start at: 136 S Elm St, Waconia
The ceremony will begin at 136 S Elm Street, Waconia, and proceed to the new building of 24 W 1st Street. The procession will start at 1:00PM. All are welcome!
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1st Annual Waconia All School Block Party
Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 3:30-6PM
Public parking lot between Waconia Comfort
and Waconia Brewing Company
Kick off the School year with us at the 1st annual “Waconia All School Block Party” sponsored by Thrivent – Henke Hess Financial Group and The Main Scoop!
Bring your children and enjoy free ice cream from The Main Scoop, as well as a bounce house, face painting, balloon twisting, caricatures, crazy hair and a DJ playing your favorite tunes! This is a free event and open to the public! Free will donations at the event will benefit Backyard Wishes.
Can’t attend – donations to Backyard wishes can be made at by clicking below.
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Local Losers - A 6 Week Weight Loss Challenge
Sept. 11- Oct. 23
The Local Nutrition
4080 Tower St, Ste 1120, St. Bonifacius
Local Losers starts September 11 through October 23. The 6-week in-person weight loss challenge is $25 to join and includes weekly weigh-ins at The Local, cash payout to top losers, learn new healthy habits each week. Join this challenge if you're looking to shed that last 10-15 pounds.
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J. Carver Distillery 10 Year Anniversary Events
September 12-14
J. Carver Distillery
1320 Mill Lane, Waconia
J. Carver Distillery's 10 Year Anniversary event is scheduled for September 12-14th! Three days celebrating award-winning J. Carver spirits, cocktails, delicious local food, festivities, and few surprises!
Sept. 12 | 6-8:00PM: Bourbon, Burgers, and Eat Your Cake Too Cocktail Class
Sept. 13 | 6-8:00PM: Paella Feast
Sept. 14 | 2:30-8:00PM: 10 Year Anniversary Tent Party - "Bourbon and Rye - Oh My"
Get tickets today!
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Yetzer's Warehouse Sale
September 13-15
Yetzer Warehouse
125 S. Olive St, Waconia
Check out the Warehouse Event Sale and save big on quality furniture! The Yetzer Experience has never been more affordable. Sale hours Friday 9/13 and Saturday 9/14 from 9AM-6PM and Sunday 9/15 from 12PM-4PM.
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Knights of Columbus Carb Load Bingo
Friday, Sept. 13 | 5-8PM
St. Joseph Catholic STEM School
120 Pine St. S, Waconia
The Waconia Knights of Columbus are hosting Carb Load Bingo on Friday, September 13, 5-8:00PM at St Joseph STEM School. This event is perfect for runners preparing for the Nickle Dickle Day 5k and 10k races, as well as anyone looking for a fun evening with family and friends. Attendees can enjoy a hearty spaghetti dinner, beer and wine, followed by a lively bingo game that promises entertainment for all. Tickets $8 per plate preorder, $10 at the door, $35 family max, children 5 & under free!
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Paddle and Coney Island Tour
Saturday, September 14
Cedar Point Park
Waconia
Meet at Never Bored Adventures trailer located at Cedar Point Park. Guided Paddle to Coney Island. Join Carver County Historical Society for a Coney Island tour on Nickle Dickle Day. Guided Paddle back to Cedar Point Park. Click button below for times. Register by calling the Carver County Historical Society at 952-442-4234 or Never Bored Adventures at 612-306-2834. Enjoy Nickle Dickle Day in Downtown Waconia!
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Head Over meals In-Person Weight Loss Challenge
Sept. 16-Oct. 28 | 5:29-6:31PM
Elite Nutrition
36 W Main St, Waconia
Join Elite Nutrition in Waconia on Mondays for six weeks. Win prizes, learn about carbs, fats, protein, how to burn metabolism and you get your own meal plan. $35 to enter. Sign up at the counter or with your coach.
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Appointments Available at River Valley Behavioral Health & Wellness Center
1309 Oak Ave, Ste 208, Waconia
The Waconia location of River Valley Behavioral Health & Wellness Center has available appointments for adolescents, teens, and adults. Learn more and meet the Waconia clinicians by clicking below.
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Signup for the 17th Annual Waconia Scarecrow Tour
Tour Dates: October 10-20
Deadline to enter: Friday, Sept. 27
It's time for the 17th Annual Waconia Scarecrow Tour. This year's tour is October 10-20. 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 300 ballots were returned. Don't miss this opportunity to drive the community to your front door!
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September Luncheon: Speed Networking
Thursday, September 26 | 11:30AM-1PM
Island View Golf Club
7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia
Join us for a dynamic Speed Networking Luncheon where you will connect with a diverse array of professionals from various industries, expand your network, and discover new opportunities—all in a fun, fast-paced setting. Don’t miss this chance to make valuable connections in record time!
Cost: $30/member, $40/not yet member
Deadline to register: Monday, September 23
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Chamber Calendar - September | |
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SEPTEMBER 12 Retail Committee, 8-9:00AM @Chamber Office
SEPTEMBER 14 63rd Annual Nickle Dickle Day, 8AM-5PM @Downtown Waconia
SEPTEMBER 19 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office
SEPTEMBER 26 Speed Networking Luncheon, 11:30-1:00PM @Island View Golf Club
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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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