The City of Wayzata and the Wayzata Fire Department have announced the appointment of Kevin Klapprich as Wayzata’s first full-time fire chief, effective June 29, 2026.
Klapprich has served with the Wayzata Fire Department since 1978 and has been fire chief since 2006. His move into the newly created full-time position marks a significant milestone for the department and reflects the expanding responsibilities of the role in serving Wayzata and the surrounding community.
“Chief Klapprich has exemplified dedication, integrity, and care for our community throughout his years of service,” said City Manager Aurora Yager. “His steady commitment made this an easy decision. We are thrilled to congratulate him on becoming our first full-time Fire Chief and look forward to the continued leadership he will bring to Wayzata and Woodland.”
For Klapprich, the appointment continues a lifetime of service rooted deeply in Wayzata.
“I am honored and humbled to be appointed the City’s first full-time Fire Chief. It is a privilege to continue leading the dedicated firefighters who give so much to this community,” said Chief Klapprich. “Wayzata has always been my home, and serving alongside generations of firefighters — including my father and brothers — has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I look forward to building on the department’s proud tradition of service, strengthening our partnerships throughout the community, and ensuring we continue to provide exceptional emergency response for the residents, businesses, and visitors of the community.”
The appointment recognizes both Klapprich’s long record of service and the evolving demands placed on the department. After nearly five decades with the Wayzata Fire Department, including 20 years as chief, Klapprich now steps into a full-time leadership role at a moment when emergency response, training, planning, equipment, inspections, and community partnerships continue to grow in importance.
Wayzata’s Fourth of July morning will once again bring families to the lakefront for one of the community’s most cheerful holiday traditions: flying pancakes at the Depot, children on decorated bikes, patriotic characters, and a Mini Olympics for kids.
Revolutionary Flying Pancake Breakfast
The 20th Annual “Revolutionary” Flying Pancake Breakfast will be held Saturday, July 4, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Historic Wayzata Depot, 402 Lake Street E. The lakeside breakfast has been held since 2005 and is hosted by the young teen members of The Lake Minnetonka Society of the Children of the American Revolution.
The event is known for its flying pancakes, with guests using their plates to catch pancakes tossed from behind the griddle. Walk-up service is also available. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, coffee and cold drinks.
More than a meal, the breakfast is designed as a patriotic service project. Proceeds are granted each year to a veteran service organization, and U.S. veterans and active-duty service members eat free of charge. In 2024, the group donated $5,000 to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans to support housing for homeless veterans in Minnesota.
Flag Raising and Rifle Salute
File photo.
A 10 a.m. program will include a flag raising and rifle salute. The 7th Pennsylvania Regiment of Revolutionary actors, the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, and the Daughters of the American Revolution are expected to return for the celebration. Period-costumed participants will talk with visitors about uniforms, muskets, Independence Day history and the men and women who helped found the nation.
Children can also take part in a scavenger hunt around the displays, while families gather near the miniature railroad in the Depot Garden and enjoy views of Lake Minnetonka.
Declaration of Independence
And in honor of the founding document that gave rise to all this celebration, pick up a printed edition of Wayzata.com, available in select shops and our newspaper racks this week—it includes the full text of the Declaration of Independence. Take a moment to read the words that still echo across centuries and shorelines.
Wayzata Kiddie Parade
At 10 a.m., the annual Wayzata Kiddie Parade will begin at the corner of Broadway Avenue North and Park Street. The parade will include decorated bikes, free lemonade and popsicles, games, prizes and visits from familiar characters, including Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and Betsy Ross.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Battery-powered, electric or motorized vehicles, bikes and scooters are not permitted.
Mini Olympics at Wayzata West
The holiday fun continues at 12:30 p.m., when the Wayzata Fire Department sponsors the annual Mini Olympics for kids at Wayzata West Middle School.
As night falls, many families take the short drive or boat ride to Excelsior for the region’s grand finale: Fireworks over Excelsior Bay, launched from The Commons at approximately 9:50 p.m. Bring a blanket and settle in for a spectacular show reflected in the lake’s dark surface.
Taken together, the Flying Pancake Breakfast, Kiddie Parade and Mini Olympics offer a classic Wayzata Fourth: civic pride, lakefront hospitality, children at the center of the day, and a reminder that Independence Day is both a celebration and a lesson in gratitude.
Wayzata’s summer season will take another graceful turn toward the lake this weekend as the Wayzata Art Experience returns June 27 and 28 along the shores of Lake Minnetonka.
The two-day festival, presented this year by Walser Kia Minnetonka, will bring more than 150 juried artists to downtown Wayzata, along with food trucks, food artisans, live music, a beer and wine garden, family activities, free sailboat rides and a Saturday evening boat light parade on Wayzata Bay.
Submitted photo.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 27, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 28.
For generations, Wayzata has known how to gather people at the edge of the water. In earlier days, visitors arrived by train and steamboat. Today, they come by car, bicycle, boat and on foot, but the draw remains much the same: Lake Street, the bay, the shops, the restaurants and the particular charm of a town that still knows how to make a summer weekend feel like an occasion.
The Art Experience will feature work in ceramics, drawing and printmaking, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, recycled and green art, sculpture and wood. Many of the artists travel from across the country to exhibit in Wayzata, giving visitors the chance to browse, meet artists and purchase original work in a walkable lakeside setting.
Food will be part of the weekend as well, with a lineup of food trucks and local food artisans offering everything from savory meals to specialty goods. The artisan market is expected to include items such as gourmet sea salts, jerky, barbecue sauces, bundt cakes, oversized cookies, maple syrup, sourdough and other handmade offerings.
Submitted photo.
Live music will be featured throughout the weekend on the Island of Music, sponsored by Sandvold Financial Group. Scheduled performers include Monica Livorsi, Tom Hunter, Tom Paquin, Benny Weinbeck and Taylor Robert.
Saturday night will bring the festival onto the water. The Boat Light Parade, presented by the Wayzata Yacht Club, is scheduled for 9:30 to 10 p.m. on Wayzata Bay. Spectators will be able to watch decorated boats pass close to shore from east to west, with viewing areas along the new Wayzata lake walk, Panoway on Wayzata Bay and Depot Park.
Submitted photo.
Wayzata Sailing will offer free sailboat rides Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving visitors another way to experience the bay during the festival weekend.
Submitted photo.
Families will also find an Activity Zone with offerings for art lovers of all ages, including face painting, Urban Boat Builders, Art Buddies and aerial performances by Eureka Aerial.
The Wayzata Art Experience has become one of the community’s signature summer weekends, blending fine art with the everyday pleasures of a lakeside town: strolling Lake Street, lingering over food and music, stepping into a boutique, meeting friends near the water and watching the evening light settle over the bay.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead by viewing the artist gallery and full schedule at WayzataArtExperience.com.
WAYZATA — Live music will return to the Wayzata Depot Park this summer as the Wayzata Rotary Club presents its 2026 Music by the Lake concert series.
The free concerts will be held on six consecutive Wednesday evenings in July and August. Food and beverage service will begin at 6 p.m., followed by music from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
“This venue is perfect for families and attendees to enjoy a relaxing summer evening while listening to various musical performances & enjoying a brat dinner, beer, wine & other treats!” said Ben Hovland.
The 2026 concert schedule includes:
July 8 — Free & Easy Band
July 15 — Elvis with Anthony Shore
July 22 — Jessie Street Band
July 29 — Jeff Dayton & Friends
Aug. 5 — 45RPM
Aug. 12 — Sugar Buzz
Held beside Lake Minnetonka at the historic Wayzata Depot, the series attracts residents, families, students and visitors for summer evenings of live entertainment along the waterfront. Several returning Wayzata favorites will be joined by performers bringing new sounds to the concert series.
Brat dinners, beer, wine and other refreshments will be available for purchase beginning at 6 p.m.
The concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees may bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating in the park.
Net proceeds from food and beverage sales will benefit the Wayzata Rotary Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization that distributes grants supporting programs and projects throughout the community.
“The Wayzata boys lacrosse team lost to top-ranked Farmington in the state tournament semifinals, falling to the Tigers 17-6. The Trojans trailed only 3-2 after the first quarter but the Tigers scored nine second quarter goals to lead 12-3 at halftime. Farmington, with eight players who have scored 21 or more goals this season, got four goals each from Caden Hennes and Brooks Furney. Thor Soukup scored twice the for Trojans. Farmington (18-0) plays Stillwater for the state championship Saturday while Wayzata (15-3) meets East Ridge for third place.” via CCX Media.
Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks celebrated the grand opening of its newest Twin Cities location May 29, bringing the locally founded restaurant concept to downtown Wayzata.
The restaurant opened at 810 Lake Street E., in the former D’Amico & Sons space at the Cross Creek shopping center. Tono marked the occasion by offering a free pizza to the first 100 guests arriving for the 4 p.m. opening.
“Thank you everyone for coming out — this has been a location on our mind for a really long time,” co-owner and co-founder Shaz Khan said. “Welcome to Tono – Wayzata!”
Submitted image.
Tono specializes in individual brick-oven pizzas and Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks, combining two family culinary traditions in a fast-casual restaurant setting.
The company was founded by Khan and his longtime friend and business partner Antonio Gambino. Before launching the first Tono restaurant in Maplewood in 2019, the pair opened Frank & Andrea in Minneapolis’ Dinkytown neighborhood in 2016.
Gambino comes from a family with longstanding ties to the Twin Cities pizza business. His father, who was from Sicily, founded Andrea Pizza, known for its locations in the downtown Minneapolis skyway system. Gambino’s mother was from Philadelphia, providing the other half of the inspiration behind Tono’s pizza-and-cheesesteak menu.
According to the company, its pizza dough and sauce recipes were developed more than 45 years ago. Tono’s menu includes 12-inch pizzas, several varieties of cheesesteaks, salads, appetizers and desserts. Its cheesesteaks are prepared with fresh prime beef and Amoroso’s rolls, a Philadelphia bakery brand closely associated with the sandwich.
Submitted image.
The Wayzata opening continues Tono’s expansion across the Twin Cities, with restaurants now operating in communities including Maplewood, St. Paul, Woodbury, Chanhassen, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Apple Valley, Inver Grove Heights, Elk River and southwest Minneapolis.
The new location adds another casual dining option to Wayzata’s eastern Lake Street business district and places the growing Minnesota restaurant company within walking distance of downtown shops, residences and the Lake Minnetonka waterfront.
Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks is located at 810 Lake Street E. in Wayzata.
One Wayzata would replace previously approved memory-care facility with 14 privately owned senior condominiums
The Wayzata City Council unanimously granted another one-year extension Tuesday for a long-delayed senior living project in the Holdridge neighborhood, allowing its developers additional time to pursue a substantially revised ownership and care model.
The council adopted Resolution 30-2026, extending zoning approvals for One Wayzata through March 7, 2027. The project, previously known as Harbors of Wayzata and Cantissimo, is planned for 1405 Holdridge Terrace and 15419 and 15429 Wayzata Boulevard East.
The original proposal received city approval in March 2023 as a 42-unit memory-care facility. Developers now plan to retain the same general building footprint while reconfiguring the interior into 14 larger, privately owned senior condominiums offering access to in-home health care services.
Rather than leasing an apartment in a traditional senior living facility, residents would own their units while receiving care through The Waters, according to materials submitted to the city.
Todd Holmers
Project partner Todd Holmers told the council that the change followed conversations with prospective residents who were interested in purchasing rather than leasing their homes. The developers subsequently began working through condominium association documents, budgets, licensing requirements and interior redesigns.
The proposed units are being marketed as luxury residences with concierge-style services and varying levels of senior care.
Project representative Kyle Didier said the ownership structure is unusual but that the team has worked with care providers and legal advisers to ensure the building can meet licensing and building-code requirements associated with assisted living.
Kyle Didier
“I’m a big believer that this is a game changer,” Didier said.
Developers told the council that the building would be designed to support residents as their care needs increase, although they could not guarantee that every resident would be able to remain in the building under every medical circumstance.
Another Extension for a 2023 Approval
The project has received several extensions since its initial approval.
The council first approved the planned unit development, rezoning, plat, variance and design review in March 2023. Extensions followed in February 2024 and March 2025.
In February, the applicant requested another full-year extension but did not attend the council meeting to answer questions. Council members instead approved a 120-day extension, moving the expiration date to July 5 and directing the development team to return with more information.
City staff described the latest request as the project’s fourth extension.
An incomplete application outlining possible changes to the planned unit development was submitted in late March. Community Development Director Alex Sharpe said the materials did not contain enough information for staff to determine whether the revised design remains consistent with the city’s existing approvals.
Changes under consideration include revised exterior elevations and additional private garages.
The applicant told the council that complete renderings and supporting materials are expected to be submitted within the next 30 to 60 days. If the changes are not consistent with the approved planned unit development, additional city review and a formal amendment may be required.
Council Expresses Support and Caution
Council members generally remained supportive of the proposed senior housing use, while acknowledging concerns about the length of time that has passed without construction.
Council member Molly MacDonald said the project continues to address a community need and recalled that surrounding residents had been supportive when the original proposal was reviewed.
Council member Ken Sorensen said he believed the development could become an asset to Wayzata but expressed some skepticism about whether it would ultimately move forward after several years of delays and limited communication with city staff.
Council member Alex Plechash, who opposed the shorter extension approved in February, said his earlier objection was largely based on the applicant’s absence from that meeting. After hearing the presentation Tuesday, he said he was intrigued by the new business model and supported giving the development additional time.
The extension preserves the existing zoning approvals, but the developer must still submit complete plans, obtain the necessary city reviews and move the project toward construction before the approvals expire next March.
In his June 3 extension request, Holmers said the development team had begun marketing the residences and had a waiting list of interested Wayzata residents.
“Upon our first few deposits, we can commence construction, likely this summer,” Holmers stated.
The council also discussed a neighbor’s concerns about dead and fallen trees on the property. The applicant agreed to continue cleaning up the site and remove additional dead trees during the summer. Mayor Andrew Mullin noted that the cleanup commitment was entered into the meeting record but was not made a formal condition of the extension.
Wayzata Public Schools’ outgoing and incoming superintendents appeared together before the Wayzata City Council on June 16, marking the district’s approaching leadership transition.
Dr. Chace Anderson, who is retiring after 18 years as superintendent and 43 years in education, introduced Dr. Robb Virgin, who will officially become superintendent July 1.
Anderson used the appearance to thank Mayor Andrew Mullin, City Council members, city staff and previous city leaders for their longstanding relationship with the school district.
“We so much appreciate the collaboration and the work that we’ve done together over the years on a number of projects,” Anderson said.
He reflected on the changes that have taken place in downtown Wayzata and throughout the surrounding community during his tenure. Anderson said the city and school district have worked as strategic partners while serving many of the same residents, students and families.
“I’m finding myself in this feeling of gratitude,” Anderson said as he thanked city leaders for their kindness, collaboration and work on behalf of the community.
Introducing Virgin was among Anderson’s final responsibilities before completing the leadership transition. Anderson said he has known Virgin for several years and was pleased with the School Board’s selection, although he was not involved in the superintendent search.
Virgin Credits Anderson and District Leadership
Virgin thanked Anderson and the district’s leadership team for providing mentorship and helping prepare him for the new position.
He said Anderson’s commitment to an orderly transition has allowed him to enter a school district that has been carefully led and positioned for continued success.
Virgin also told the council that he feels fortunate to be joining a district with strong relationships among its schools, cities and other community organizations.
“Great communities are built on those partnerships,” Virgin said. “When our leadership teams work together, all of our residents, our students, our families, everybody, our business, everybody benefits from that.”
Virgin committed to continuing the district’s relationship with the City of Wayzata and invited council members and staff to contact him when the district may be able to assist with the city’s work.
“Please don’t hesitate to be in touch,” Virgin said.
Virgin Shares His Educational Background
Virgin began his career as a social studies teacher in Wisconsin and later taught in Farmington. He also coached basketball, soccer and track and field.
His professional experience has included teaching courses at the University of Minnesota, supervising student teachers, serving as a high school principal and working in district administration.
Virgin recalled meeting Anderson while the two educators were attending a state swimming meet at the University of Minnesota. At the time, Virgin was working toward his doctorate and questioning whether he would finish the program. He said Anderson encouraged him to develop a plan and complete the degree.
Virgin most recently served as an assistant superintendent in Eden Prairie Schools.
He told the council that Wayzata Public Schools’ established culture was among the qualities that attracted him to the superintendent position. Virgin described the district as having “a commitment to just everyday sustained excellence” that has produced a strong environment for students and staff year after year.
Virgin said his work in neighboring districts, along with relationships with colleagues and families familiar with Wayzata Public Schools, had already given him an appreciation for the district.
He will formally assume the superintendent position July 1.
The direct quotes come from Anderson’s opening remarks, Virgin’s comments about community partnerships and Virgin’s description of the district’s culture. The more distorted portions of the transcript remain paraphrased.
“The Wayzata girls track and field team took home their second consecutive Class AAA state championship over the weekend. Maddie Gullickson won her sixth individual MSHSL track championship with a state record-breaking time of 4:41.65 in the 1600m. The Wayzata boys and girls 4×800 relay teams also finished in first place overall. Maple Grove’s girls 4×400 team finished in first place as well. Armstrong’s Mykhailo Protsenko took third overall with a throw of 179-5.” via CCX Media.
“The Wayzata boys tennis team of Jacob Salisbury and Nolan Beduhn won the state Class AA doubles title Friday afternoon. The Trojans duo beat Eden Prairie’s Varin Tangeti and Zayden Chau 6-2, 6-3 in the final. Wayzata’s Ethan Turunen finished second in the singles tournament, losing a hard fought battle to top seed Soren Swenson of Mounds View 7-5, 7-6 (4).” via CCX Media.
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