D.E.A.R. Hunting Shopping Day

While half of Minnesota heads to the deer stand on opening weekend, Waconia runs its own kind of hunt. D.E.A.R. Hunting Day — Divas Enjoying Awesome Retail — is the Chamber's annual shopping event held on deer-opener Saturday, now in its 19th year. From 9am to 4pm, participating downtown businesses hide the letters D-E-A-R around their shops; find all four and you're entered to win the Basket of Waconia, a collection of gift cards and goodies from local shops, bars, and restaurants valued at over $400. Expect exclusive one-day deals while you shop, sip, and dine — with extra offers if you show up wearing blaze orange. It's the unofficial start of Waconia's holiday shopping season.

What to Expect

• Find the letters D-E-A-R to enter the Basket of Waconia drawing ($400+ value)
• One-day deals at participating downtown businesses
• Extra offers for shoppers in blaze orange
• Held on Minnesota deer-opener Saturday — 19th annual in 2026
• 9am–4pm throughout downtown