Waconia, MN October 2025

Savor the Season

Welcome, fall! As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures cool, our cravings shift toward comforting flavors that warm both body and soul. October is one of our most delectable issues of the year, and this month we’re celebrating the food and drink that makes our city such a delight for the senses.

We had the privilege of sitting down with Kim Heenie, the owner of Winchester & Rye, to learn all about their fall menu. The menu is brimming with dishes designed to make your taste buds sing, and craft cocktails to enjoy and share good times with friends. You’re in for a treat, so get ready to savor every bite and every sip! We also meet the new Chief Roaster at Mocha Monkey, who’s perfecting your cup of joe to keep you cozy and caffeinated all fall and winter long. Plus, we check out restaurants around town, join the Waconia Dandylions on their annual Fall Flannel Bar Crawl, and so much more!

For me, the smells of fall bring back memories of sharing crisp fall days with family and friends. Whether we’re sitting around a bonfire shooting the breeze, visiting a local winery in the late afternoon, or tailgating before a Gopher or Vikings game, there’s great joy in enjoying everything fall has to offer, and everything centers around the wonderful assortment of fall food and drink.

There’s an art to creating a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also stirs memories of home. Food has a unique way of connecting us to our past while bringing us together in the present. Whether you’re enjoying a meal out with friends or hosting a cozy dinner at home, these shared moments are what make life flavorful.

Here’s to savoring every bite this fall!

MATT SHAEFFER, PUBLISHER

October 2025

PUBLISHER

Matt Shaeffer | matt.shaeffer@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily McKeever, Lauren Beaubaire, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Maria Claire Media, Trevor Jager, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson

SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

QUALITY

At Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota-OBGYN West, we’re passionate about delivering high-quality care for the whole you. Our team includes primary care and ObGyn, all under one roof. Discover expert care for pregnancy. Choose from a range of GYN services when you need them. Move toward healthy with services that include weight management, PT, and mammography.

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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN

AND BE SEEN

business monthly

Happy Belated 3rd Birthday to Ruthie's House Vintage!

In August, Ruthie’s House Vintage celebrated three years of offering one-of-akind, unique, vintage clothing and home goods finds. They marked this exciting milestone with a birthday party filled with deals, lots of laughs, and an abundance of community spirit. If you’re just starting your vintage journey or looking to up your personal style game, you’ll be warmly welcomed into Ruthie’s House.

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Ridgeview Hospitals and Clinics Serving the Community 62 Years Strong

This year marks an incredible achievement for Ridgeview Hospitals and Clinics – 62 years of care! In 1954, the Waconia Community Hospital Association was formed, followed by the opening of the Waconia Ridgeview Hospital in 1963. Over the years, this beacon of the community has continued to grow in size and in impact, and serves with compassion, skilled expertise, and kindness. Congratulations, Ridgeview Hospitals and Clinics, and thank you!

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Celebrate With Victoria Veterinary Hospital

On Sunday, October 5th, from 12:00pm - 3:00pm, Victoria Veterinary Hospital is hosting an open house! Tour the newly renovated Victoria Vet Clinic (1486 Stieger Lake Lane), meet the staff, and enjoy vendor booths, food trucks, and more! This ribbon-cutting event is a celebration for the team at Victoria Veterinary Hospital, but it’s also an official welcome to the community. Admission is free!

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What’s New in Waconia

There’s always something beautifully bold brewing at Mocha Monkey, but lately, you’ll notice a new depth in every cup of joe. As you take a seat at your favorite coffee shop, you might notice a new face and the unmistakable aroma of coffee being roasted just steps away. That would be Chief Roaster, John Pennucci, and their vintage San Franciscan roaster, a piece of MN coffee history still delivering exceptional roasts today, that transforms those already magical beans – the ones that have the power to turn any day around – into something even more extraordinary.

“Roasting coffee has always been something that interested me, but it started to become a reality when we were opening our Carver location,” Jon Schmidt, owner of Mocha Monkey, shares. “We began thinking about ways to get more involved in different areas of the coffee shop, and roasting was an obvious one. All we needed to do was find someone who knew how to roast — that’s where John came in.”

Pennucci first caught glimpses of coffee roasting (and, he says, his wife) when he worked as a barista. “I loved watching the process and chatting with the roasters whenever time allowed. The whole thing was mesmerizing – artful chaos – and I quickly fell in love with it.” In 2004, he was

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE MEDIA

officially apprenticing in commercial coffee roasting, and in 2024, through “several layers of pure happenstance,” Pennucci learned that Schmidt was considering roasting Mocha Monkey’s coffee in-house. After a couple of conversations, they knew this partnership would be a perfect blend.

If passion could be measured, Pennucci’s would be genuine and meticulous, reflected in the batches he carefully roasts. “Every great cup of coffee begins its life as a bright red cherry on a coffee farm. Skilled hands pick the ripest fruit, and the beans inside – actually the seed or pit of the coffee cherry – are carefully separated, washed, and dried.” He goes on to share that it’s when the beans reach the roastery that the real magic begins. “Heat coaxes out deep aromas, rich colors, and the unique flavors hidden in each bean. After cooling and resting, the coffee is ground, brewed, and served as an experience in a cup.”

Many factors, like roast time and temperature, influence flavor. But Pennucci explains that origin is the natural starting point, as different regions bring out unique qualities in both flavor and in how they respond to various roast profiles, from light to dark. From there, he says, it becomes a careful balance of temperature, time, and airflow. “My goal is to roast the coffee to a target temperature within a specific time frame. During the roast, I’m not just watching numbers, I’m listening for the coffee’s audible ‘crack’ and noting the shift in aroma as the

natural sugars caramelize.” He says that this is where the artistry comes in, because no two days are the same. Temperature, humidity, and even barometric pressure can subtly alter the roast, requiring real-time adjustments to keep the coffee tasting its best.

And tasting its best? Does it ever. “For roasts we thought could be improved, like our light roast and our cold press, we asked John to develop different flavor profiles." Schmidt believes that their Morning Mischief Light Roast was the biggest improvement over the light roast they previously served. “I also think our current espresso blend is fantastic. It highlights the coffee’s flavor better than what we used to have. The Sumatra Dark Roast is the only single-origin coffee we currently offer, and it’s a very bold, flavor-forward roast.”

Mocha Monkey is always looking for ways to help coffee shops grow, offering wholesale pricing and consulting to churches,

hospitals, and any other organization that serves coffee frequently. That’s why roasting in-house is such a natural and opportunity-rich step in the right direction. “It gives us complete control over how our coffee tastes, looks, and smells, and it allows us to be creative with new flavor profiles,” Schmidt explains. “It also gives us flexibility in a constantly changing market. If we weren’t roasting our own beans, we’d be at the mercy of another roaster, and they might not make the same decisions we would.”

And when it comes to what these coffee connoisseurs sip each morning, or afternoon, depending on the day, Pennucci reaches for a smooth cold press, and most days Schmidt goes for their house blend, no cream, and no sugar. “If I’m feeling special, I’ll make a small mocha with one pump of chocolate and three shots of espresso.” Whatever’s in the cup at Mocha Monkey–special or everyday–you can be sure it’s crafted with care and meant to be enjoyed, sip by sip. themochamonkey.com

Flannels, Fun, and Fundraising for a Cause

Waconia Dandylions in action: spreading cheer across the community

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER

“The goal of the Flannel Fall Bar Crawl is to raise funds for the Dandylions’ Gifts for Grands initiative. Through this program, the team collects holiday wish lists from local senior living facilities and provides gifts–and holiday cheer–to help make the season bright for residents.”

If you see a circle of women out in the community, collecting gently used clothing or happily selling raffle tickets at local events, likely it’s the powerful Waconia Dandylions. This nonprofit organization serves the health and wellness of families in our community. This group, which is the women’s chapter of the Lions Club International, started in 2020 and has since grown to 80 members. Maybe you’ve heard of their annual Frozen Fairway Open, which supports breast cancer survivors and their families through Hope Chest, or the Diaper Drive that they organize each year to help the community with much-needed baby essentials. This season, flannels and boots are making their annual debut, and so is their Flannel Fall Bar Crawl on October 11th. And as fundraising (and fun) goes, this one is a showstopper.

Waconia Dandylions member Lacey Shaw says that the Flannel Fall Bar Crawl began in 2022 when the founding members brainstormed fresh and fun ways to engage the community in fundraising. Here’s how it works: you purchase your wristband, throw on your coziest flannel, and your smile says Lacey, and travel from local bar to local bar, enjoying fun themed drinks and discounts. Some participating bars will even offer

hangover specials for the next day. A flannel sale will take place at one shop, and many others will provide prizes for a raffle. Basically, it’s everything you want in a fall festival.

“Last year we sold 482 wristbands and raised $4,000. This year, our goal is to sell 650 wristbands!” Lacey shares. The goal of the Flannel Fall Bar Crawl is to raise funds for the Dandylions’ Gifts for Grands initiative. Through this program, the team collects holiday wish lists from local senior living facilities and provides gifts–and holiday cheer–to help make the season bright for residents.

The future of the Dandylions is blooming bright. “Our current members are highly motivated individuals with big dreams for our events! We want all of our events to grow throughout the years to bring in money to help serve our community and help other various causes throughout.” There’s no doubt the Waconia Dandylions are well on their way to fulfilling this mission. Because when hearts unite for a great cause, amazing things take root.

For more information on the Waconia Dandylions or how to buy tickets for the Flannel Fall Bar Crawl, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/waconiadandylions

MORE THAN A MEAL

HOW WINCHESTER & RYE BRINGS FRIENDS, FLAVOR, AND COMMUNITY TOGETHER

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER

When Kim and Kevin Heenie first welcomed guests into Winchester & Rye, an elegant yet relaxing restaurant in the charming town of Victoria, they opened the doors to more than refined cuisine and service to match; they introduced the community to a rich history and the warmest of hospitality. From the very beginning, Kim and Kevin aimed to create a culinary destination that was a hub for the community — where friendly faces were recognized, preferences remembered, and every visit felt like coming home. If you’ve dined at Winchester & Rye, you know they’ve achieved exactly that.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND INSPIRATION FOR OPENING WINCHESTER & RYE?

When the opportunity to open a restaurant in the historic creamery building in Victoria came up, we jumped at it. We began construction in October 2017 and officially opened our doors on May 8, 2019.

The inspiration for Winchester & Rye is deeply rooted in our family history. On Kevin’s side, the “Winchester” name honors his grandfather, Butch, a renowned gunsmith who handcrafted custom wood stocks for Winchester rifles. He made guns for U.S. presidents—from FDR to LBJ—and even royalty. This legacy of craftsmanship and artistry runs through generations, and for us, it found expression in the culinary arts.

On the other side of the family, “Rye” pays tribute to Kim’s great-grandparents, who were known during Prohibition for their exceptional rye-and-corn whiskey. Though they faced consequences for their unlicensed still, they carried on with ingenuity and determination. That same spirit fuels our creativity today. Pictures of both sides of the family hang on the walls of the restaurant to remind us of the shoulders we stand on.

HOW HAS THE RESTAURANT EVOLVED SINCE IT OPENED?

Our goal has always been to be everyone’s restaurant — a true community place. We designed two distinct spaces: a family-friendly dining area and an upscale Whiskey Lounge perfect for date nights, adult gatherings, and private events.

Like many restaurants, we had to pivot during COVID, becoming a takeout-focused operation almost overnight. Thanks to overwhelming community support, we not only survived but came back stronger and more determined to bring back the vision of our restaurant as a place for the community to gather.

“Our goal has always been to be everyone’s restaurant — a true community place.”

—KIM AND KEVIN HEENIE

After COVID, we initiated a monthly Ladies Luncheon speaker series on the first Thursday of the month to help bring women in the community back together after being homebound for so long. In September, we will celebrate the 4th anniversary of the monthly Ladies Luncheon. It’s a community tradition, and hundreds of women look forward to the invite every month.

WHAT ARE YOUR SIGNATURE DISHES OR CUSTOMER FAVORITES?

Some of our most-loved dishes include the Cajun Pasta, PanFried Walleye, and Coffee-Rubbed Filet Mignon. Others that keep people coming back are the BBQ Ribs, Asian Salad, Strawberry Salmon Salad, our oversized sandwiches, woodfired pizzas, and the crowd favorite: the Yummy Bowl of Goodness—homemade mac and cheese with Cajun chicken, bacon, and spicy mushrooms.

DO YOU HAVE ANY DRINKS, COCKTAILS, OR BEVERAGES YOU’RE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF?

Absolutely. Our cocktail program features spirits from J. Carver Distillery—our version of the classic Old Fashioned (made with J. Carver Whiskey) is the second-highest-selling item on the entire menu.

Other customer favorites include the Viking Thyme, Blackberry Bender, and You’re So Hip. We also make our own simple syrups and cocktail components in-house for a fresh and elevated experience.

DO YOU FEATURE ANY UNIQUE INGREDIENTS, LOCAL SOURCES, OR SPECIAL COOKING TECHNIQUES?

We proudly support local producers wherever possible. We’re proud to feature local favorites like Waconia Brewery’s Amber and Schram Vineyards’ Blonde on tap, and wines from Sovereign Estate’s and Parley Lake’s vineyards. From local beers and wines to handcrafted spirits, we love partnering with Minnesota makers. In the kitchen, our food is made fresh and with care. We make scratch-made soups, dressings, and marinades. Quality and consistency are our priorities. Our wood-fired pizza oven is the jewel in the restaurant. It’s not only beautiful, it also produces fabulous pizza!

DO YOU HOST EVENTS, TASTINGS, OR LIVE MUSIC?

We offer a beautiful private dining space ideal for groom’s dinners, birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, and anniversaries. It includes access to an outdoor patio, perfect for spring and summer events.

WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE DO YOU WANT GUESTS TO HAVE WHEN THEY VISIT?

Whether you’re here with your kids for a casual dinner or dressed up for a night out, we want you to feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for. We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built—our staff knows regulars by name and remembers their orders. That’s the kind of place we are.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING DISHES, SPECIAL EVENTS, OR EXPANSIONS TO SHARE?

As road construction in the area ramps up next year, we want the community to know: we’re an easy and delicious destination close to home. You don’t need to battle detours to have a great meal and evening out. We’ll be right here with convenient access, great food, and familiar faces. We regularly add items to the menu, so there’s always something new to try.

WHAT MAKES YOUR RESTAURANT SO UNIQUE IN THE COMMUNITY?

Winchester & Rye is built on a legacy of craftsmanship, creativity, and resilience. We’re more than just a restaurant; we’re a reflection of our roots and our commitment to the community. We combine elevated food with a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. Our team is like family—and we treat our guests like family too.

winchesterandrye.com

LOCAL BITES YOU’LL LOVE

RESTAURANTS AROUND TOWN YOU’LL WANT TO PULL UP A CHAIR AT

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE

BODE GRAY’S

Serving up artisan pizza from their wood-fired oven alongside delicious classics like Chicken Parmigiana and Baked Ratatouille, Bode Gray’s never disappoints. And of course, you’ll want to stop in their basement speakeasy, The Brass Hat, for a craft cocktail and prohibition-era vibes. bodegrays.com

LOLA’S LAKEHOUSE

You can’t beat the view at Lola’s. Right on Lake Waconia, you’ll enjoy lakeside dining at its finest as Lola’s delivers a delicious seasonal seafood-inspired menu with traditional American fare, not to mention fantastic craft cocktails and an extensive wine selection. lolaslakehouse.com

With 38 craft beers on tap, Iron Tap is the perfect spot to grab a cold one and a great meal. And with an extensive menu offering everything from burgers and BBQ to flatbreads and tacos, everyone is sure to find something they love. irontapmn.com

MOLLY’S

Warm and welcoming, Molly’s (formerly known as St. Boni Bistro) invites you to slow down and savor the flavors of home. Sourcing ingredients from local farms, all the menu items are created with care and fresh, seasonal ingredients, including tasty seafood dishes, burgers, pasta, and more! mollysmn.com

BUDDY BOY FINE BBQ

With fall-off-the-bone spare ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, Buddy Boy Fine BBQ is a BBQ lover's dream. You’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one dish off their mouthwatering menu, deciding between their decadent sandwiches, burgers, and even selecting a sauce off their dedicated sauce section! buddyboybarbeque.com

THE NOBLE LION

Classic American dining gets a refined twist at the Noble Lion. The menu boasts French-inspired dishes like Steak Au Poivre and casual favorites like the French Onion Burger, as well as their signature Belgian fries that somehow stay crisp to the last bite. With European-style charm and a cozy neighborhood feel, it’s a great spot for a special night out. thenoblelion.com

THE BEST OF WACONIA THIS SEASON

Hometown

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER

We’ve made it through the first month of the new school year, and while quadratic equations and research papers might be fun for some, we’re ready to talk real fun. Like the “This is what I’m doing Friday night” kind of fun. When the homework is finished and the errands are done, in Waconia, there’s always an extensive rotating list full of gametime excitement, action-packed tournaments, and talented ensembles lighting up the stage. Here are just a couple — and there’s plenty more where that came from.

WACONIA THEATRE DEPARTMENT

This month, the Waconia High School Theatre Program lights up the stage with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Bailey Willhite, Theatre Director, and Melissa Ricard, Assistant Theatre Director at Waconia High School, are eager to share this beloved production and the cast of students with the community. “I’m most excited to put on a show with no lines. I think the audience will be surprised by how much they enjoy it,” Melissa shares. Bailey emphasizes that this timeless story gives the students a chance to sing, dance, and perform in so many different styles. “It’s a true showcase of their talent and hard work.” And the energy the musical styles — from country western to Elvis-inspired rock ‘n’ roll — bring? Let’s just say it paints a technicolor story all its own. “Each scene feels

like a new surprise, and it keeps the energy high from start to finish,” Bailey adds.

Along with all the vibrant colors on stage and the charm of the children’s chorus (made up of 10-12 elementary and middle school students), Melissa predicts that the audience will be delighted. “I think anyone skeptical about public high school tackling a religious musical will walk away impressed and understand why this show is so immensely popular across generations.” After the final bow, this creative pair hopes the audience leaves having had fun, impressed by the students’ talent and maybe even attempting to recite the colors from the song “Joseph’s Coat” (good luck with that!). “Most of all, we hope they leave feeling the joy, humor, and heart that make Joseph such a special show.”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be performed at the Waconia High School Performing Arts Center from October 9th to 12th. Tickets are available at CUR8.com — just search for “Waconia.”

BOYS VARSITY SOCCER

The boys’ soccer season is in full swing, and according to Ty Seim, Waconia boys varsity coach, the team is ready to light up the field. “We have a large group of players that started in Waconia when they were seven and eight years old. Considering most varsity coaches

CONTINUED >

don’t meet their players until they get to high school, it’s been pretty awesome to be alongside them as they’ve grown.”

Ty shares that even though they’re in the toughest section in the state, with five of the nine biggest schools – Minnetonka, Prior Lake, Edina, Eden Prairie, and Shakopee – he feels they have a great chance to contend for a conference title. “We have a whole cast of characters that can play multiple positions; they learn really fast, and work hard all year.” He goes on to say how great it is to see the players support each other and the genuine excitement that echoes throughout the team. “In my 21 years of coaching soccer, I’ve learned that in Waconia, people really show up for their teams.” He hopes that as the fans pack up and head home after an action-packed game, they remember the excitement and passion these kids have for the game of soccer.

URGENT CARE

Stacked for Fall

THE SEASON’S BEST SANDWICHES

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-made sandwich—especially when it comes together with minimal effort but delivers big on flavor. As the season changes and appetites grow heartier, fall is the perfect time to get creative with ingredients tucked between slices of crusty bread or buttery rolls. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your lunch routine, enjoy comforting flavors and bold textures, or impress guests with a no-fuss meal, these easy-to-make sandwiches strike the perfect balance between simple and sensational.

Savory Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream

INGREDIENTS

• 2 slices crusty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, French bread)

• 6 oz roast beef

• 2 slices provolone cheese

• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting)

• 2 ½ tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp horseradish sauce

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Arugula

• Cherry tomato

• Caramelized onions

INSTRUCTIONS

Toast the bread. Butter one side of each slice and toast in a skillet until golden. Heat roast beef briefly in a pan. To make the spread, mix mayo, horseradish sauce, and Dijon. Spread on the toasted bread. Layer roast beef, cheese, and broil briefly to melt. Add arugula, tomato, and caramelized onions if using. Top with the second slice of bread.

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich

INGREDIENTS

• 1 grilled chicken breast

• 2 slices pepper jack cheese

• 2 slices cooked bacon

• 1 tbsp fruit jam (fig, raspberry, or jalapeño recommended)

• A handful of fresh arugula

• 3–4 cherry tomatoes (halved)

• 1 tbsp garlic aioli

• 1 brioche bun (toasted)

INSTRUCTIONS

Lightly butter the inside of the bun and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown. Spread a layer of garlic aioli on the bottom bun. Add the sliced grilled chicken breast. Place the pepper jack cheese over the hot chicken to slightly melt it. Layer on the crispy bacon slices. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a small handful of arugula. Spread the jam on the top bun. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

• 3 oz goat cheese

• Fresh arugula

• ¼ cup caramelized onions

• 1 pear, thinly sliced

• Honey, to taste

• Butter for toasting the bread

• Rotisserie chicken breast thinly sliced

• Sourdough bread, buttered (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Spread goat cheese on one side of the bread. Top the cheese with arugula, caramelized onions, sliced pears and chicken breast. Drizzle with honey. Top with remaining slice of sourdough bread. Use a griddle or panini press to heat the sandwich.

Matt turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?

Waconia City Lifestyle

by Matt Loved by Waconia

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

OCTOBER 1ST

Fall Fashion Market

Schram Vineyards | 4:00 PM

Refresh your autumn wardrobe or find new styles as local businesses and boutiques will be selling their cute, unique, and inspiring apparel, accessories, and jewelry from 4-8pm. Schram's delicious wines, craft beers, and food will be available throughout the evening. This is a free event for guests to attend, so grab your friends and make it a fun night of wine and shopping!  https://www.schramvineyards.com/event-details/fall-fashion-market-2

OCTOBER 8TH

Waconia Girls Blue Line Hockey Fundraiser at The Stash

The Stash of Waconia | 3:00 PM

Support a fantastic cause at The Stash’s Annual Fundraiser for the Waconia Girl’s Hockey Association. From 3-8pm, come enjoy snacks and drinks while you shop, PLUS, get 20% off storewide with extra Waconia hockey apparel, gifts, and accessories available. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Hockey Association to use towards equipment and more!

OCTOBER 9TH - 19TH

Scarecrow Tour

Downtown Waconia | 9:00 AM

A community favorite, the Scarecrow Tour is a self-guided tour through downtown Waconia. From October 9th through the 19th, Waconia Chamber-member businesses create scarecrows for the community to tour outside their shops — and they get very creative each year! Always a fun event for the whole family, it's a great way to check out all the amazing local businesses.

OCTOBER 11TH

Heather

Reichenberger

with RE/MAX Results Annual Fall Festival Benefiting the Gather

& Grow Waconia Food Shelf

Gather & Grow Waconia Food Shelf | 12:30 PM

Don’t miss the 4th Annual Heather Reichenberger with RE/MAX Results Fall Festival, 12:30–2:30pm! Bring a monetary or food donation and receive a pumpkin. Enjoy a costume contest, balloon animals, face painting, raffle, delicious food to sample and purchase, and more! NEW this year, a photographer will be offering 10-minute family or couple holiday sessions—Heather covers your first session, with extras available for purchase. Reserve your session on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/heatherremaxresults/

OCTOBER 25TH

Halloween in Victoria

Downtown Businesses and Bayfront Park  | 1:00 PM

Get ready for a fun-filled, family-friendly day on the Saturday before Halloween, as the Victoria Lions Club and Victoria Business Association invite you to enjoy a community-wide celebration! Start by trick-or-treating from 1-2pm, where local businesses will be handing out sweet treats to all ages. At Bayfront Park from 1:30-3:30pm enjoy exciting games and activities hosted by the Victoria Lions Club!

OCTOBER 25TH

Victoria Fall Craft and Gift Show

Victoria Recreation Center | 10:00 AM

Step into a world of artisanal magic at the Victoria Fall Craft and Gift Show! From 10am-4pm, come peruse local artisans and crafters. This free event is the perfect opportunity to explore a rich array of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind goods, perfect for gifting or adding a unique touch to your home. The first 50 shoppers will receive a special swag bag filled with surprises!