DOWNTOWN CHASKA BLOG
Spread Christmas cheer by supporting the 100 Club
You might not be able to guess by the name but spreading Christmas cheer is the goal of the 100 Club. For over 20 years, the 100 Club, a 501c3 non-profit comprised of a group of committed Christmas-loving citizens, has been helping supply lighting and decorations to Chaska. The name was coined from the annual fundraising event that is held on the first Sunday of December. The event was originally open to the first 100 [...]
2021 Fire & Ice Bonspiel and Festival
What are the best parts of having the National Training Center for USA Curling in our backyard? The list would certainly include access to six sheets, locker rooms, a player’s lounge, one of the largest memberships–at approximately 1000 members–and the ability to watch live curling while dining at Crooked Pint Ale House. And it doesn't end there, with league games played Sunday-Friday evenings October–April and Spring and Summer leagues running May–September. For me, though, the [...]
Courthouse Lake Parkrun
Starting Saturday, September 18th join Park Run in downtown Chaska at Beech and 2nd Street for a free 5k that you can run, jog, walk or come to volunteer. It happens every Saturday at 9 am so simply register once and bring your barcode each time so your 5k can be timed. It’s a great opportunity to get a workout, meet some new faces, enjoy beautiful downtown Chaska and stick around after for brunch, shopping [...]
City of Chaska Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan
The City of Chaska is working to develop a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. Visit this site to contribute your ideas and comments, learn more about the project, and stay connected about the project. The City of Chaska is working to develop a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan to: Improve safety and comfort for all users of the City's transportation network Increase the number of people walking and biking in the City Improve community health, [...]
Downtown Highway 41 Project
The Downtown Highway 41 Project will help the City of Chaska achieve its vision of downtown revitalization that reflects and celebrates its historic character, traditional small town atmosphere, and values. The vision for Highway 41 through downtown Chaska is a two-lane road with turn lanes that better balances roadway needs with the pedestrian space. The addition of streetscaping, pedestrian/bicyclist connections, and gathering spaces will create a more comfortable and inviting environment [...]
2021 Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament
The Boys of Summer...1947. Bill Schalow being congratulated by Scrubby Engelhardt and Sparro Dressen after hitting a home run. The Cubs went on to win the state championship that year. Image courtesy of the Chaska Historical Society Batter up for three summer weekends to come to watch some of the best in amateur baseball battle it out in our own historic Athletic Field in downtown Chaska. It’s a perfect time to watch some [...]
Ice Gardens coming to Downtown Chaska
What's more Minnesotan than gathering in the snow, to hang out and look at ice while having a cold beer or semi-warm hot cocoa and partaking in some sledding, snow football, and snow fort making? If this sounds like a don't miss event, you're correct! Join us Sunday, January 31st anytime after 1 in Firemen's Park to view 10+ Ice Sculptures, and beginning at 1:30 we will carve the final one live for your viewing [...]
Holiday Shopping & Dining
Our goal this winter was to replace our larger tree lighting events with smaller attractions that could be safely enjoyed with family and still let the beautiful, historic nature of our downtown shine. Santa & Frosty are in City Square Park for photo ops and the lights will go in there at dusk. Over in Firemen’s Park you find a tree stroll (after dusk) that will bring the magic of the season to life and [...]
Small Business Saturday All Winter Long
Downtown Chaska is fortunate to have a thriving business community even during this time of constant change and two things truly help this community stand strong. The first is our customers who are always thinking local, supporting local and in some cases are local residents who own a business. Our customers follow businesses on social media and know how they’ve evolved to meet the changing needs, they stay loyal and offer continued support and they [...]
Coming Soon Safe Family Attractions
We’ve been brainstorming to come up with a variety of safe attractions to ensure everyone has the ability to get out and safely enjoy the season. We are so sad to not have Hometown Holiday or the Fireman’s Park Tree lighting but you’ll notice the lights downtown will be on extra early to bring a little joy. You might also notice a few visitors in City Square Park that will allow you to safely take [...]
Chaska Area Restaurants during Covid-19
Thank you to Jo Anne Gramith for creating and maintaining a great list of restaurant status during Covid 19. VIEW THE LIST OF CHASKA AREA RESTAURANT OPEN DURING COVID-19
Small Business Support
Check back for continued updates focused on providing information, education and support for our small business community. Let us know if you have any questions. Over the weekend, Minnesota became eligible for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Details about the program include: Loans of up to $2M in assistance are available to help provide small businesses support due to the temporary loss of revenue. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, [...]
The Downtown Chaska Restaurant Scene
Whether you're out with friends or looking for the perfect place to grab a bite with your family, downtown Chaska has something to meet every appetite and craving... American Fare... Looking for some traditional American fare? Stop by Tommy’s Malt Shop for some classic favorites and the best malts, sundaes, and floats around. Or, visit Cuzzy’s Brickhouse and enjoy their apps, flatbreads, salads and house specials like their walleye dinner. Want to grab dinner with [...]
Two 20th Anniversaries (and they’re neighbors!)
For any business, celebrating a 20th Anniversary is a big deal. When they’re two businesses that reside side-by-side, that’s worth celebrating! Here in Downtown Chaska, both Fitness First and Lynn Laumann Photography on Second Street are celebrating twenty years of success, and we’re proud to have them in our community and share their stories! FITNESS FIRST FitnessFirstMN.com “I began delivering papers to fifty customers when I was seven years old and opened my first [...]
Welcoming the Holiday Season!
Thanksgiving has come and gone, we have fully entered the holiday season! Last weekend’s Shop Small Saturday was a great kickoff to holiday shopping, and even today as we are wrapping up writing this blog, soft snow is falling and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Throughout Chaska, the season is coming alive. Our parks are being decorated, stores have been filled with gifts for giving, and it feels like the holidays are [...]
Snow has Begun to Fall
The temps are feeling more and more like Christmas. Thanksgiving is just a week away now, and we’ll be gathered shortly to celebrate all we’re grateful for. Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving special will be on soon, the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season. As we’re thinking ahead toward the most wonderful time of the year, we’re exploring a bit more of all downtown Chaska has to offer. As we wandered through some of the first snowflakes, we [...]
The Seasons are Changing.
Soon enough, we’ll be sharing Thanksgiving dinners and waking up to falling snow. The holidays are upon us, and we’ll be getting together with friends and family for parties and celebrations. Whether you’re looking for the perfect host gift or something special to share with a loved one around the Christmas tree, downtown Chaska has the ideal gift for everyone on your list. We decided to explore the local retail scene a bit, and our [...]
Chaska Downtown Block Party
The leaves are starting to change color, temperatures are starting to cool, the kids are back to school, and it’s time for the Chaska Downtown Block Party! Last year in September, as Second Street reopened after months of construction, we decided there was only one thing to do to mark the occasion – celebrate! We wanted to take an opportunity to recognize our amazing local businesses, and to draw our community back together one last [...]
Red Bench Bakery
Friday mornings at Red Bench Bakery are a lot! A lot of laughter, community, coffee, and fun! We all enjoy the simple pleasures. A cup of joe, a chocolate almond croissant, and a few of our closest friends to sit down and catch up! The pleasures here are more than simple. The coffee, which I opted for in a Red Bench mug was as perfect as the artisan treats in which I sampled. What really [...]
Do It Downtown!
Join us every week as we stop and shop, eat or get to know a Downtown Chaska business! Perhaps you've wanted to know more about a specific business or just want to add your experience. Either way stay tuned as we head out and about in downtown to show you more of the great things happening. Our first visit is happening tomorrow at the all new Red Bench Bakery, we've heard the buzz all over town [...]
Small Business Saturday
Head downtown and share the love with our many unique small businesses! Print out the Hometown Holiday Scavenger Hunt flyer below and play along for a chance to win great prizes from participating businesses! Hometown Holiday Scavenger Hunt Flyer #shopsmall #downtownchaska
Hometown Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Planning out your holiday shopping strategy? Remember to grab your Hometown Holiday Flyer and play along in the Hometown Holiday Scavenger Hunt! It's a great way to experience all downtown Chaska businesses have to offer while getting the opportunity to win great prizes from the businesses! Simply print out the flyer and come visit each of the 9 businesses for a stamp. Turn in your cards at Hometown Holiday or the Fireman's Park Tree Lighting [...]
Hometown Holiday
Time to come downtown and celebrate the 11th annual Hometown Holiday. In preparation sharpen your crayons and complete the coloring contest for a chance to win the honor of lighting the tree in City Square Park! Make sure to also check out the agenda for the big day and check back daily for more surprises about the event and all the fun leading up to it! Hometown Holiday
Back to the Block
2017 Chaska Community Homecoming – Back to the Block Saturday, September 23rd, 10 AM – 5 PM 10:00 – 11:00 Kids Donut Run w/ real donuts Yoga on 2nd street w/ Mimosas 11:00 – 5:00 PM Kids Dance Music/Games Bounce Houses 11:00 – 3:00 Carriage Rides Music on 2nd street (various bands sprinkled along 2nd street) Art Walk – Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest for kids 11:00 – 5:00 Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Carnival Games, Character [...]
Coming Soon: Ryder Cup Week & The 19th Hole Celebration
Kids are heading back to school, fall is in the air and it’s time to get ready for the once in a lifetime event coming to our city – 2016 Ryder Cup! The week of September 30th – October 2nd will be full of family fun activities, local food, wine and craft beer, live music, fireworks and much more! You can check out the details at the 19th Hole Celebration website. In addition to the celebration happening [...]
Hometown Holiday – Schedule of Events
Raking leaves (no snow shoveling yet), buying turkey’s and planing your holiday events – make sure to pencil in Saturday December 3rd to help celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Hometown Holiday! The festivities actually kick off Black Friday with the 12 Days of Christmas in which Downtown Chaska businesses roll out the red carpet with great sales and fun events. Small Business Saturday holds a special place in our heart and allows the magic to [...]
12 Days of Christmas & Hometown Holiday
With the beauty of Autumn in full force, it only makes sense to start thinking about the upcoming Holidays! This means marking your calendars now for the 12 Days of Christmas and Hometown Holiday! The 12 Days of Christmas is an opportunity to shop, visit, save, and donate at various local Downtown Chaska businesses. We kick off the 12 Days on Black Friday with many great events at the Chaska Community Center followed by Small [...]
Things to do in Downtown Chaska….this weekend
Much fun to be had this weekend with the third annual Flags and Honor of Minnesota Car & Bike show. This show at City Square Park is meant for the whole family with food, fun, entertainment and shopping! Here’s an idea of the fun to be had Saturday August 13th from 10-2. View the awesome cars and bikes. Enjoy food from Cuzzy’s, Von Hanson’s, Patron & more! Chaska Lions will serve BEER and Soda 🙂 [...]
Shop ’til you drop at River City Days!
Don’t miss out on the food, shopping, drinks, music and activities for the entire family!
41st Annual Chaska River City Days
Come for the food and fun, stay for the shopping and activities at the 41st Annual River City Days! The Chaska Historical Society is presenting “Weddings of Chaska – A Historical View” on Friday and Saturday and you won’t want to miss out on the Art and Craft Fair, Sidewalk Sales or the food and entertainment every day! Saturday at 1 on 3rd/4th Street at Walnut watch the Chaska Fire Department Water Fights and stay [...]
Ryder Cup 19th Hole Celebration featuring 18 Holes of Chaska!
The SW Metro Chamber and City of Chaska will host the 19th Hole Community Celebration at Firemen’s Park and City Square Park during the once-in-a-lifetime Ryder Cup International Golf Championship at Chaska’s own Hazeltine Golf Club September 26 – October 2, 2016! This celebration will take place after practice rounds and during/after competition rounds throughout the week. It will feature a viewing party, family fun activities, local food, wine and craft beer, live music, fireworks [...]