The Wayzata boys hockey team wrapped up a successful weekend at the CCX Turkey Trot tournament with a 6-4 victory over Maple Grove on Saturday night. The first period was marked by an intense scoring exchange, with both teams putting up three goals each.
Despite Maple Grove taking an early lead in the second period, Wayzata responded with two consecutive goals, securing a 5-4 advantage. The lone goal in the third period further solidified Wayzata’s win.
Rhys Wallin had a hat trick with three goals, while Luke Miller added two for Wayzata. Edina also had a successful weekend, finishing 2-0 by defeating Maple Grove on Friday and Moorhead on Saturday.
Mayor Johanna Mouton lights the tree on Panoway on Wayzata Bay. Video courtesy Bob Ambrose. Sound is muted on page load, feel free to unmute.
Image courtesy John Magnuson.
On the day after Thanksgiving, the City of Wayzata transformed into a festive wonderland with the enchanting celebration known as “Light Up the Lake.” Families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts gathered for an evening of joy, entertainment, and community spirit.
People gather on Lake Street. Image courtesy John Magnuson.A Wayzata Fire Department truck. Image courtesy Bob Ambrose.
The festivities commenced with the tantalizing aroma of holiday refreshments, delighting taste buds with seasonal flavors. Attendees took leisurely strolls down Lake Street, basking in the festive atmosphere illuminated by holiday lights. Charming horse-drawn wagon rides offered a picturesque exploration of the area’s holiday decorations.
The Parade of Lights. Image courtesy John Magnuson.
A major highlight of the evening was the appearance of real reindeer, captivating visitors of all ages with their elegance and beauty. Live holiday music filled the air with classic tunes, setting the mood for the season. The tree lighting ceremony marked the official start of the holiday season in Wayzata, as a beautifully adorned tree illuminated the night, spreading warmth and joy.
Santa. Image courtesy John Magnuson.People watch the Parade of Lights. Image courtesy Bob Ambrose.
The spectacular parade of lights stole the show, showcasing the creativity and community spirit of local fire departments. Dazzling displays on fire trucks, adorned with holiday-themed decorations, amazed and entertained the crowd.
Horse drawn hay rides are part of the Light up the Lake celebration. File photo.
“Light Up the Lake” was indeed a magical holiday evening, blending cherished traditions with exciting new elements. Whether local residents or visitors, attendees left with cherished memories and hearts full of holiday spirit.
The event, held on November 24th, unfolded on Lake Street from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., offering a night of holiday enchantment that kicked off the season in the most joyous and memorable way. The community eagerly anticipated this annual celebration, and it lived up to its promise of creating lasting holiday memories for all who attended.
The First Thanksgiving 1621, oil on canvas by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1899). Image from the Smithsonian digital archive. Editor’s note, the painting shows common misconceptions: neither the Pilgrims nor the Wampanoag dressed as shown, & there was no table.
Thanksgiving in America is a cherished holiday that transcends generations, weaving together a rich tapestry of traditions that celebrate gratitude and togetherness. For many, it’s a time to reunite with family, share in the warmth of traditions, and savor a bountiful feast.
The day begins with a flurry of activity in the kitchen. The tantalizing aroma of roasted turkey fills the air, while pots and pans clatter as families prepare a variety of dishes, from creamy mashed potatoes to cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Each family has its unique recipes, handed down through the years, creating a sense of continuity and connection with ancestors who celebrated the holiday before.
Before the feast, families often take a moment to reflect on their blessings. A heartfelt round of sharing what they’re thankful for reminds everyone of the importance of gratitude. It’s a time to express appreciation for family, friends, good health, and the opportunity to be together.
The Thanksgiving table, adorned with autumnal decorations, is a symbol of abundance. As loved ones gather around, they pass dishes, engage in lively conversations, and relish in the flavors that have become synonymous with this holiday. The meal is a true labor of love, with everyone contributing to the culinary masterpiece.
After the meal, some take a leisurely walk to savor the crisp fall air, while others cozy up in the living room for board games, storytelling, or watching classic Thanksgiving-themed movies. Football games play on TV screens, and the sounds of cheering and laughter resonate in the background.
Thanksgiving Day Football Schedule: Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions 11:30 am on FOX Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys 3:30 pm on CBS San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks 7:20 pm on NBC
One beloved tradition is the post-feast nap. The combination of a full stomach and the cozy ambiance often leads to a collective post-dinner siesta. It’s a time to relax, digest, and recharge before indulging in a slice of homemade pie.
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, community service is also a significant part of the tradition. Many families and individuals engage in acts of kindness, such as volunteering at food banks or delivering meals to those in need, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community.
Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, connection, and gratitude. These cherished traditions not only bind families together but also remind us of the value of coming together to celebrate the abundance in our lives. It’s a holiday that continues to evolve and adapt, but its core message remains constant: to give thanks and to share with those we hold dear.
From all of us at the Gustafson household and Wayzata.com, we wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.
The 2023-’24 season for the Wayzata boys hockey team sees them gliding onto the ice with a roster boasting 12 seniors. To kick off the season, the Trojans are set to host the CCX Media Turkey Trot tournament at Plymouth Ice Center this weekend.
Joining Wayzata in this action-packed tournament are teams from Maple Grove, Edina, and Moorhead. The anticipation is high as these squads showcase their skills at the Turkey Trot.
Wayzata boasts a formidable team, featuring a strong forward group led by captains Rhys Wallin, Jake Mattson, Cade De St. Hubert, and Luke Miller. The team also welcomes back five defensemen, with standout player Hawke Huff among them.
However, there’s a void to fill in the goaltender position with the departure of Will Ingemann, one of the state’s top goalies who graduated.
For those eager to catch the excitement, the CCX Media Turkey Trot tournament varsity games have the following schedule. Tune in live on CCX1 or online.
The high school girls’ swimming and diving season concluded this Saturday with the culmination of championship meets in both Class A and AA. Maple Grove and Wayzata showcased multiple talented athletes who qualified for the finals.
Notable performances from these schools included Libby Bakker from Maple Grove securing 3rd place in the 100 Backstroke and 4th in the 200 IM, Lucy Troyak from Wayzata earning 6th place in both the 200 and 500 Freestyle, Kaya Flaherty of Maple Grove claiming 5th in the 100 Butterfly, and Ashley Mouyenga from Wayzata finishing 4th in the diving competition.
Additionally, Maple Grove’s Ellis Landry secured 6th place in diving, and their relay teams achieved commendable results with the 200 Medley Relay taking 3rd place and the 200 Free Relay securing 5th place. Wayzata’s overall team performance landed them in fourth place, while Maple Grove finished fifth.
In Class AA, Edina retained their championship title. In Class A, Breck clinched fourth place, with senior Piper Crosby winning the 100-yard backstroke and the Mustangs emerging victorious in the 200 Yard Medley Relay.
In a late-night incident on November 20th, at approximately 10:45 pm, a Plymouth officer discovered a stolen vehicle in the vicinity of County Road 101 and County Road 6. The vehicle promptly evaded the officer, leading to a pursuit into Wayzata.
Wayzata PD officers effectively deployed stop sticks, resulting in the immobilization of the stolen vehicle. Subsequently, the occupants abandoned the vehicle, and despite an extensive search involving a State Patrol helicopter and multiple K9 units, they eluded law enforcement.
A manhunt unfolded in downtown Wayzata as authorities sought a suspect who had fled from the stolen vehicle. The State Patrol helicopter played a crucial role in the ongoing search.
During the operation, two K-9 units were dispatched, but both lost scent trails. Despite the breakdown of the primary pursuit, with no suspect apprehended, numerous law enforcement agencies continued to patrol the area in a concerted effort to locate the fugitive.
At approximately 1045 pm, a Plymouth officer located a stolen vehicle in the area of Co 101 and Co 6. The vehicle immediately fled from the officer who pursued the vehicle into Wayzata. Wayzata PD officers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks and the vehicle was… pic.twitter.com/ODM0GPKRC7
The stolen vehicle was successfully recovered, with police on the scene awaiting a tow truck. The suspect managed to evade capture on foot, leading to the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies for assistance.
Minnetonka Police, Wayzata Police, Plymouth Police, Hennepin County Sheriff, Minnesota Highway Patrol, and Orono Police were all called in to aid in the apprehension efforts. The suspect remains at large as the investigation continues.
The stolen vehicle has been recovered. Police on scene waiting for a tow truck. pic.twitter.com/4TDrtOxRkl
The former Stalk & Spade location in Wayzata. Photo Daniel Gustafson.
Stalk and Spade, the Wayzata based vegan burger restaurant that had opened to long lines and critical acclaim, has closed its doors as of November 1. The following info was posted on the door:
“HELLO FRIENDS, We are sorry to share that the difficult decision has been made to close all three Stalk & Spade restaurants. We started Stalk & Spade with a mission to provide delicious plant-based food’s that were familiar favorites you could feel great about eating. Over the past couple of years, we’ve experienced first-hand the unpredictable landscape of the plant-based meat and dairy alternatives industry, which has led us to make this hard choice. We cannot thank you enough for supporting our mission and .have loved getting to know you as our neighbors! We couldn’t have done this without you. 7~4. TEAM STALK & SPADE”
Stay tuned to Wayzata.com for more information on any future restaurant plans that may occur on the site.
The Wayzata girls’ swimming and diving squad demonstrated remarkable team depth and secured victory in the Section 5AA meet on Saturday by clinching victories in five races. The team dominated with wins in the 200- and 400-yard relay events, as well as individual successes from Emily Alberts (200 freestyle), Geneva Fackler (100 free), and Lucy Troyak (500 free). Although Maple Grove’s Libby Bakker claimed victories in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke, the Crimson settled for a second-place finish behind Wayzata. Champlin Park claimed the third spot overall, with Olivia Knox of the Rebels triumphing in the 100-yard breaststroke. This marks the Trojans’ 17th consecutive section title.
The Panoway dock installation project has successfully navigated some recent challenges, securing approval for an enhanced design from both the City Council and the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) in recent days. Key modifications to the Depot Docks and Broadway Docks have been integrated into the approved plans, addressing concerns and ensuring compliance with the 150 feet limit set by the LMCD.
The changes come after a variance denial by the LMCD in October where the City of Wayzata requested an additional 40 feet beyond the 150 foot dock length limit set for municipal docks by LMCD code.
A redesigned dock proposal was presented by Civitas at a recent Council Meeting held on November 2nd after the Dock Working Group reviewed the updated design on Tuesday, October 31.
The revised plan, was crafted to meet both the aesthetic and functional objectives of the Panoway dock project, has now received approval from both the City Council and the LMCD.
This joint effort involving the City, Civitas, staff, and consultants demonstrates a committed approach to finding a solution that aligns with regulatory guidelines and meets the varied project requirements.
Summary of Changes
Depot Docks:
Original Plan: 17 transient slips (19 total vessels).
Current Plan: 18 transient slips (20 total vessels).
Changes:
Shifted largest vessels west to fit within the 150 feet limit.
Shifted loading zone east, creating a straight 70 feet long loading area for larger commercial vessels during specific wind conditions. Maintained slip count on the north side and added a 16 feet by 32 feet slip on the south side.
Replaced one larger vessel slip with a smaller one to keep all structures within the 150 feet limit.
Broadway Docks:
Original Plan: 30 transient slips (32 total vessels).
Current Plan: 29 transient slips (31 total vessels).
Changes:
Shortened the loading zone on the east to fit within the 150 feet limits.
Designated one transient slip as a loading zone, with an additional transient slip added at the Depot to compensate.
Reduced the gangway walk width to 8 feet, eliminating the need for an additional variance.
Shifted larger vessel slips west to fit within the 150 feet limit, considering water depth variations.
Rotated the overall dock geometry to increase the opening between the Lake Walk and the docks at its narrowest point.
This comprehensive redesign, marked by strategic adjustments, underscores the City’s commitment to creating a compliant, functional, and aesthetically pleasing dock system. With these approved plans, the Panoway dock project is poised for successful implementation, offering an improved and balanced addition to the city’s waterfront.
City Staff and the Council will also be working with their vendors on ensuring the new docks are installed on Wayzata Bay as quickly as possible in the coming months.
The old docks were removed recently to allow the pilings for the Lakewalk to be installed. The remnants were stored at Wayzata Beach:
Excelsior, MN – The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society is set to host an exciting book launch and signing event for “The History of Big Island, Lake Minnetonka,” authored by historian Paul Maravelas. The event is scheduled for Monday, December 4, starting at 6:30 pm at the Excelsior Brewing Company, located at 421 Third Street in Excelsior.
The evening will kick off with the sale of autographed copies of the book at 6:30 pm, followed by a brief presentation by the author at 7:00 pm. During the presentation, Maravelas will delve into the rich history of Big Island Lake Minnetonka, sharing intriguing discoveries and insights gathered during his fifteen years of dedicated research. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase and have their books signed even after the presentation.
Published by Minnetonka Press, “The History of Big Island, Lake Minnetonka” is available for $65.00. Moreover, ten percent of the evening’s book sales will contribute to supporting the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society’s endeavors. Attendees can also enjoy beverages from Excelsior Brewing Company, available for purchase throughout the event.
For additional details and free registration, interested individuals can visit big island launch.eventbrite.com, LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org, or contact the Society at info@lakeminnetonkahistory.org or 952-474-2115.
The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, founded in October 2023, amalgamates the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, the Museum of Lake Minnetonka, the Wayzata Historical Society, and the Westonka Historical Society. With one of the largest archival and three-dimensional collections of Lake Minnetonka history, the society maintains resources both in-person and online, including a Research Archives in Wayzata and Museums in Excelsior, Mound, and Wayzata.
The society not only curates the lake’s history but also engages the public through various programs and experiences. They publish and sell numerous books delving into the area’s history and are actively working towards restoring their historic 1906 streetcar steamboat, “Minnehaha,” for operation on Lake Minnetonka, preserving its legacy as a floating museum.
For further information, visit LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org or contact the society at info@LakeMinnetonkaHistory.org or 952-474-2115.
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