Sports + Recreation

Hometown Highlights

A Look at Waconia’s Team, Town, and Time-Honored Homecoming Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Trevor Jager If you’ve ever attended a football game in Waconia, you know it’s sort of a thing around here. With pom poms in hand and game day outfits on full display, if hometown pride had a look, it would be the Wildcats huddled under the electric stadium lights as the packed crowd roars from the bleachers. And if you really want to see the community come alive, walk through the gates on...

Style + Beauty

What’s New in Waconia

Rah rah rah! Celebrate Homecoming with Nice Shirt Co.’s Wildcat wear Article by Emily McKeever As the community lines the streets and fills the stands the week of September 22nd for Homecoming festivities, the sea of purple and gold will be nothing short of electric. Before you catch that parade candy and witness a Wildcats win, you’ll need some spirit wear, because showing up in anything less is such a rookie move. If you want quality and charm, not to mention oh-so-soft materials, then lace...

Sports + Recreation

Homecoming at Crown College

Celebrating school spirit, community, and a day full of unforgettable moments Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Crown College, ©2024 As leaves fall and the pumpkin-spiced lattes flow, schools across the country kick off festivities that honor a tradition more than 100 years old – Homecoming. Crown College hosts a vibrant day filled with spirited traditions and playful activities that radiate Polar pride and display the heart of its lifelong authentic community. We spoke with Dr...

Style + Beauty

Fringe, Florals, and Furs

What you can expect to see in fashion this fall Article by Alison Lee We’ve gone straight to the fashionable source to see this season’s styles and learn which looks have made their way from runway to retail. Eleece Pink, owner of The Stash of Waconia, has loved fashion since she was a little girl. And now that she can curate the inventory in her own boutique, she’s passing along her expertise and love of fashion to help women of all ages walk out with something they love. She shares with us...

Home Services

Concrete Style

Boll Custom Concrete brings expert craftsmanship and a hometown touch to create beautiful, lasting spaces around your home Article by Emily McKeever A stylish living room or bathroom is so last year – or maybe it’s just time to spread the flair beyond the usual areas in your home. In Minnesota, when it comes to family get-togethers or lounging at home, if it’s over 50 degrees, we’re taking the party outside. When we’re storing our beloved tools or finally setting up that dreamy man cave, we’re...

Life + Culture

Where Waconia Comes to Play

How a humble sidewalk sale became the town’s most beloved celebration. Nickle Dickle Day is here! Article by Lauren Beaubaire Get ready for Waconia’s most anticipated event of the year—Nickle Dickle Day! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 13, as downtown Waconia transforms into a bustling hub of festivities, community spirit, family fun, and, of course, great local deals.  It’s the festival's 64th year, and boy, has Nickle Dickle Day evolved from its humble origins. This event has a...

Auto + Marine

Ready, Set, Sail

Explore the Summer Cruise Offerings from Paradise Charter Cruises Article by Sarah Knieff Set sail this summer with Paradise Charter Cruises and embark on an unforgettable excursion with the whole family across two of Minnesota’s most beautiful waterways: the mighty Mississippi River and the scenic Lake Minnetonka. Whether you're chasing adventure with your little ones or kicking back with your college-age kids, these cruises offer something for everyone. Soak in the sun, enjoy the views, and...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

The Kids Are Alright Article by Jen Fortner There is a wide range of opinions on when a child is a child no longer. Some say eighteen years old. Some think twenty-one. Minnesota has selected twenty-six for insurance purposes. But I’ve watched mothers in their eighties with sons in their sixties fussing over if they are getting enough to eat and enough rest. So it’s hard to say when full adulthood sets in.  My eldest just moved out for real this past spring. She is an adult on paper but yet...

Auto + Marine

From Waconia, With Shine

Sota Shine pairs hometown pride with personal touches and a whole lot of local love in every wash Article by Emily McKeever The giant suds-filled facility overlooking Waconia's main drag on Highway 5 is where serious magic happens. And when we say 'magic,' we mean it in an amazing customer service, sparkling clean car, and local and loving it sort of way. At Sota Shine, you’ll find all the equipment and supplies needed to get your vehicle glossed up and glowing (and your dog–we’ll get to that...

Life + Culture

Pageantry with Purpose

How Victoria teen, Zarina Zerr, is using her crown to empower, inspire, and give back Article by Amanda Wagner Zarina Zerr is a performer at heart. A teen from Victoria, Minnesota, she has never shied away from the spotlight. A love of acting, modeling, and cheerleading ultimately led to a new interest — it was in the world of pageantry where she truly found her place. This summer, she’s taking the next step on her journey to the national stage as Miss Great Lakes Ambassador, ready to compete...