65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day Returns to Downtown Waconia
Iconic local festival debuts youth entrepreneurs market
WHAT: 65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce invites media and the public to attend the landmark 65th Annual Nickle Dickle Day presented by Destination Waconia. Originally founded in 1961 as a sidewalk bargain sale where items were sold for a nickel, the community tradition has grown into Waconia’s largest town celebration and premier annual fundraiser. Derived from a German word for "bartering," Nickle Dickle Day continues to celebrate local commerce, community spirit, and family fun.
New This Year: Youth Entrepreneurs Market
To support the next generation of business leaders, Nickle Dickle Day is launching its inaugural Youth Entrepreneurs Market. Kids and teens ages 5–17 will get real-world business experience selling their products, with proceeds benefiting local community needs.
By the Numbers
- $1.9 Million spent locally at Waconia shops, restaurants, and bars (source: PredictHQ.com)
- 30,000+ attendees expected throughout the day
- 1,100 runners participating in the ISD 110 Community Education Races
- 450 classic cars at the annual Car & Truck Show
- 390 basketball players competing in the St. Joe’s 3-on-3 Tournament
- 150 craft and food vendors packed into City Square Park
- 80 rubber ducks racing in the Rotary Duck Races
- 32nd Year of the traditional Medallion Hunt (with clues published in the Waconia Patriot)
- 3 Live Bands & 1 DJ providing entertainment across downtown
- Thousands of books sold at the Friends of the Waconia Public Library sale
WHEN: September 19
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE: City Square Park & Downtown Waconia
MORE INFO: https://www.destinationwaconia.org/nickledickleday