Sun Sailor 2023 Minnetonka Community Guide | Page 6

LAKE MINNETONKA

LAKE MINNETONKA

COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023

Chamber expands across South Lake

The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce is at the heart of almost every South Lake Minnetonka event , new and old .
The chamber is a nonprofit organization filled with local business people who support each other and host annual celebrations and events for everyone in the area . Several of those events are staples for the lake area and only grow larger with each passing year , broadening the organization ’ s outreach and extending its influence .
New to the chamber this year was the Black Gown Gala in October , which brought in locals to walk the runway of Pique Travel Design in Excelsior and model clothing from local businesses . While the idea was not new to the chamber , it became a new tradition included in their event lineup with another gala held in April .
One of the biggest events of the year for the chamber is the Lake Minnetonka Fourth of July celebration , which has been a significant part of the Excelsior community for more than 135 years . The fireworks show lights up Lake Minnetonka after nightfall with explosions of color and cheers . Throughout the rest of the day , residents can look forward to the Firecracker Race , a parade for anyone to participate in and activities in the Commons park . Additional summer events brighten up Water Street , including Art on the Lake ’ s individual showcase of many talented Minnesotan artists . The 43nd annual Art on the Lake will feature more than 120 artists . It will spread out along the street June 10 and 11 to tote original pieces to the backdrop of live music and delicious food . The day before , residents are invited to participate in the second annual Paint the Port to decorate Water Street in colorful chalk squares . Excelsior Apple Days on Saturday , Sept . 16 and Sunday , Sept . 17 will return with two days packed with events , including a selection of booths , rousing apple pie contests for kids and adults , live entertainment , Kids Corner , and a popular beer and wine garden . Last but not least , the summertime necessity for music-loving locals is the Concerts in the Commons series which takes place on two Wednesdays each month and draws many into Excelsior ’ s largest park .
The chamber is also responsible for the Bridgewater Bank Luck o ’ the Lake in March , the South Lake Minnetonka community garage sales in May , Excelsior Crazy Days in July , Halloween in Excelsior in October and Christmas in Excelsior on Saturdays in December .
The chamber boasts more than 200 members in several cities and is always looking to expand with more .
For more information , visit excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamber . com .
6 | LAKE MINNETONKA | Community Guide 2023