Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener

Governor’s Fishing Opener Kids Event

Carol Altepeter — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:05:35 +0000

The 2012 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener is at Lake Waconia and the kids are going to join in the fun! Fourth grade students from the schools of Waconia will be joining the DNR’s Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) program, the MinnAqua program and the City of Waconia at Cedar Point Park from 9am to 12pm on Friday, May 11^th, 2012. The students will be rotating through three education stations which will provide the students with information on Minnesota fish identification through a live fish display, water quality, macroinvertebrates, fishing safety and fishing! Each student will receive a bag of giveaways and fish information to take home and enjoy.

For more information contact: Leah Weyandt, MnDNR-West Metro Fisheries, Fishing in the Neighborhood Program. leah.weyandt@state.mn.us www.mndnr.gov/fishing/fin

Waconia: A city of Health Nuts?

Carol Altepeter — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:37:36 +0000

The grueling Lake Waconia Triathlon has grown to over 500 participants, which makes it a large community event in Waconia. And while it is certainly the most difficult, it is just one on a long list of local events that promote healthy activity. Add to the triathlon the new Lola’s Lake Waconia Half-Marathon, the Nickle Dickle 5K and 10K, the Walk on Waconia, and the Winterfest 5K, and you have a community that has taken the challenge to Americans to get healthy… and run with it.

Contacts:Triathlon: Marvin Denzer 612-719-9816 www.lakewaconiatriathlon.net

Lake Waconia Half Marathon: Dermot Cowley 612-227-8463 http://www.lakewaconiahalfmarathon.com.prod.ngin.com/

Nickle Dickle Day runs: Tiffany Nelson 952-442-0610

Walk on Waconia: Sandy Sharratt sandlar1@embarqmail.com www.walkonwaconia.com

Winterfest 5 and 10K: Sarah Molnau 952-442-3105 City of Waconia

80-Year Old Farmer Helps a New Generation Grow “Old School”

Carol Altepeter — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:33:44 +0000

Living a life she calls “beyond my wildest dreams,” 80-year old Donna Franz has more energy than a woman half her age. Author of the book “Gardening According to Donna,” Donna Franz believes we have lost a generation of gardening teachers, so she’s made it her mission to fill that niche. More Minnesotans are trying to go green, grow more of what they eat, and eat organic. For Donna, that just means doing it the way she’s always done it. If you’re looking for a great character to feature, Donna is your gal. Click here to meet Donna

Contact: Donna Franz www.atthefarmwaconia.com 952-442-4816

Coney Island in Waconia?

Carol Altepeter — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:30:10 +0000

One of the many things that make Lake Waconia special is the Island. Coney Island in Lake Waconia is not only a unique piece of land, it has an interesting history. The resort that once occupied the island was a destination for vacationers from the Twin Cities as well as from out of state. At one time, the University of Minnesota football team even held practices on the island.

Contact: Paul Melchert: 952-442-7700 Melchert Hubert Sjodin

Cindy Mase: 952-442-2096 Mase’s In Towne Marina

Waconia- Then and Now

Carol Altepeter — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:35:18 +0000

Waconia has a deep history and was one of Minnesota’s first visitor destinations. Hear and see the intersting story here:

Waconia – Then and Now

Lake Waconia Fish Stories by Jimmy Mase of the In Towne Marina

Carol Altepeter — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:23:08 +0000

Did you hear the one about the ice fisherman who caught the hand of an underwater diver? For those and other fish stories, contact Jimmy Mase, owner of the In Towne Marina. The Marina, on the south shore of Lake Waconia, is a source of a great fishing story, too—it is the location in a classic Grumpy Old Men scene where guys exchange some great fishing tales.

According to Jimmy, Lake Waconia is one of the finest fisheries in the metro area. It’s known for its variety of species and beautiful scenery, which make it a destination for thousands of visitors.

Anglers revel in the size of the walleye, muskies (up to 4-1/2 feet in length) and bass. Panfishermen find a vast resource of sunfish and crappies. And the lake has seen a rejuvenation of the northern pike population. Whether you’re an angler who enjoys catching fish for the fry pan or to catch and release, you can find what you are looking for on beautiful Lake Waconia.

Contact Jim and Cindy Mase at the In Towne Marina to learn where to find a hot bite on Lake Waconia!

Jim and Cindy are featured in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEfOojPOkhY

Jimmy Mase gopherjim@aim.com

Mase’s In Towne Marina

952-442-2096

www.intownemarina.com

Waconia to Host International 2012 Kona North American Windsurfing Championship

James Riemermann — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:34:17 +0000

Windsurfers from Minnesota have long known that Lake Waconia is a great place to practice their passion. But now, the secret is out. Lake Waconia has been selected to host some of the best windsurfers in the world August 24-26, 2012.

The International Kona North American Windsurfing Championship is considered the “Super Bowl” of windsurfing. The event will feature over 80 of the top competitive windsurfers from Minnesota and around the world. It is the first major windsurfing championship in over 20 years in the Twin Cities.

Press kits will be available in May with interview contacts, story ideas, sailor bios, and photos. Updates will be added in July and August. Contact: Tim Browne, 952 594-5395, or tim@browne2marketing.com

Sister Saturday: A Waconia Fishing Opener Tradition

James Riemermann — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:26:25 +0000

During this year’s fishing opener, Waconia will host its 8th annual “Walleye Widow Weekend” known as Sister Saturday.

The fishing opener leaves many women with a weekend to themselves as the men go after the lunkers. During Sister Saturday, the businesses in Waconia will help those women make the most of their weekend with great shopping, a fashion show, pink boas and swag bags galore.

Contact: Kellie Sites, president, Waconia Chamber of Commerce 952-442-5812 www.destinationwaconia.org

Premier Free Sledding Hill Draws Visitors to Waconia Area

James Riemermann — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:24:43 +0000

What can you do with 16,000 truckloads and 200,000 cubic yards of surplus soil? Well, add a little snow, and you’ve got one of the wildest hills sledders have ever seen!

When Highway 5 was re-routed, Carver County did something unique. Instead of simply dumping excess soil and fill, they used it to create family fun for the residents of Carver County.

Located just east of Waconia, the sledding hill has two runs. From an 80 foot elevation, sledders traverse a fast, undulating hill that is not for the faint of heart. You cannot truly appreciate it until you experience it!

Contact: Marty Walsh, parks director, Carver County Parks 952-466-5250 Martin Walsh mwalsh@co.carver.mn.us www.co.carver.mn.us/parks