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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Chaska, MN

Home Care Chaska, MN

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Little Rapids Fur Post Historical Marker in Chaska, MN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Chaska, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Chaska, MN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my dad a shower at night. When the guy came out to interview, he was really good and helpful, but it was just hard to find someone to help with dad been a little bit bigger and heavier. They like the person that they had come out a couple of times. The caregiver is good.”

Gloria285054

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Chaska, MN?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Chaska, MN

Types of Elderly Care in Chaska, MN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Chaska, MN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Chaska, MN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Firemen's Park in Chaska, MN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Chaska, MN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local India Bar & Grill or visit Chaska Historical Society, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Chaska, MN

Benefits of Home Care in Chaska, MN

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Chaska, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Chaska, MN

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your MN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Chaska, MN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Chaska, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Chaska, MN

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Chaska, MN

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Chaska Heights
  • Hidden Creek Assisted Living
  • Auburn Courts
  • TRANQUIL LIVING-MOUND/EXCELSIOR
  • Intergenerational Living & Hlt
  • Emerald Crest Memory Care Victoria
Home Care Chaska, MN

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Chaska, MN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Chaska, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Chaska, MN

Latest News in Chaska, MN

North Star Pumpkin Town: A New Family Fall Experience Coming to Chaska (& 25% Discount)

I recently had the opportunity to attend a special sneak peek of North Star Pumpkin Town in Chaska, and I’m excited to share a first look at this brand-new Minnesota fall attraction! Plus, I have a 25% discount to share!!!!!Opening October 2, 2026, North Star Pumpkin Town is bringing a completely new fall experience to Minnesota families. If you’re looking for something festive to do with the kids this October, this is one to put on your fall bucket list.What is North Sta...

I recently had the opportunity to attend a special sneak peek of North Star Pumpkin Town in Chaska, and I’m excited to share a first look at this brand-new Minnesota fall attraction! Plus, I have a 25% discount to share!!!!!

Opening October 2, 2026, North Star Pumpkin Town is bringing a completely new fall experience to Minnesota families. If you’re looking for something festive to do with the kids this October, this is one to put on your fall bucket list.

What is North Star Pumpkin Town?

is a new fall and Halloween experience designed with families in mind. Instead of a scary haunted-house experience, Pumpkin Town creates a fun, festive pumpkin village filled with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, characters, entertainment, and plenty of things to see and explore.

During the sneak peek, my daughter and I got to walk through the village and see some of what visitors can expect when it officially opens.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the huge number of themed buildings and glowing pumpkins throughout the experience. The buildings, pumpkins and displays create a really fun atmosphere, especially as you make your way through the village. The buildings are named things like “Paul’s Pumpkin Palace” (with a giant Paul Bunyan), “The Pumpkin Tweet Retreat,” “Ole’s Lucky Lure and Bait” and more. There’s definitely a Minnesota theme here!

There are also characters strolling throughout Pumpkin Town, adding to the feeling that you’ve stepped into a little fall village. And yes, there’s even a troll! ???? And the troll has a Minnesota Vikings shirt!

We posed with the troll while it “slept” and then it woke! It’s eyes opened and mist came out. It even talks!

There’s a story here too – you’ll hear the story as you walk through the town.

A Family-Friendly Halloween Experience

If you have kids who love Halloween but aren’t quite ready for scary, haunted attractions, North Star Pumpkin Town is a different kind of Halloween experience.

It’s focused on the fun and festive side of the season, with glowing pumpkins, themed displays, characters, entertainment, and photo opportunities rather than scares.

Plus, there will be a center court area with food and entertainment including a magic show that we got to preview!

My First Impression

After getting a sneak peek, I think North Star Pumpkin Town is going to be super popular this fall!

Since this is its first year, it’s especially exciting to see a brand-new attraction come to the south metro. There are lots of colorful displays and glowing pumpkins to take in, and I can see families spending a fun evening exploring the village and taking photos along the way.

If you’re always looking for new things to do in Minnesota in the fall, I’d definitely keep this one on your radar.

Make It a Full Fall Night Out

One of the things I think is particularly fun about the location is that North Star Pumpkin Town is right next to Scream Town. This is a more scary attraction.

So if your group has a mix of ages or different ideas of what makes a great Halloween night, you could visit Pumpkin Town for the family-friendly experience and then head over to Scream Town if you’re looking for something much scarier. ????

That could make for a fun fall evening with a little something for everyone.

When Does North Star Pumpkin Town Open?

North Star Pumpkin Town officially opens October 2, 2026, in Chaska, Minnesota.

The attraction will run throughout the fall season, making it a great option to add to your October and Halloween plans.

NOTE: I don’t have all the details but parking is nearby on grass, and the pathway is stroller-friendly and somewhat wheelchair-friendly, though there are some uneven spots. This and Scream Town are on a hill that you drive a narrow road to, and North Star Pumpkin Town is in the woods, for reference.

Location:

7410 US-212, Chaska, MN 55318

Save on Tickets With My Discount Code

If you’d like to check out North Star Pumpkin Town, I have an exclusive discount code!

????? Use code MOM to save 25% off any purple calendar night.

That’s $4 off a $16 ticket, making it a great way to save on your visit.

You can get tickets and find more information at .

Is North Star Pumpkin Town Worth Adding to Your Fall List?

Based on the sneak peek I attended, yes!

If you’re making your Minnesota fall bucket list, I’d add North Star Pumpkin Town in Chaska to it!

North Star Pumpkin Town ???? Chaska, Minnesota

????? Use code MOM for 25% off purple calendar nights ???? NorthStarPumpkinTown.com

Disclosure: I attended a special sneak peek of North Star Pumpkin Town as part of a paid partnership. All opinions and impressions are my own.

The prettiest pumpkins are in Chaska, Wyoming, Apple Valley and more

Whether you’re looking for elaborately-carved displays or something more natural, we have five places to get your squash on.Minnesota’s pumpkin displays range from unusual gourds to trails lined with thousands of carved, glowing jack-o’-lanterns. For some fall visitors, the best pumpkin isn’t the one they take home but the one they stop to admire.Here are five places to let the admiration begin. (Hours vary by date and day of the week at several places, so be sure to check in with esta...

Whether you’re looking for elaborately-carved displays or something more natural, we have five places to get your squash on.

Minnesota’s pumpkin displays range from unusual gourds to trails lined with thousands of carved, glowing jack-o’-lanterns. For some fall visitors, the best pumpkin isn’t the one they take home but the one they stop to admire.

Here are five places to let the admiration begin. (Hours vary by date and day of the week at several places, so be sure to check in with establishments for the latest updates.)

The Great Pumpkin Trail

At Pinehaven Farm in Wyoming, Minn., the half-mile Great Pumpkin Trail is lit by more than 10,000 carved, glowing jack-o’-lanterns, set against the night woods.

The displays range from traditional jack-o’-faces to intricate, multi-pumpkin structures and themed art installations. Food trucks and bonfire pits are scattered throughout the grounds.

The trail is open on select evenings through Oct. 31. Check in with Pinehaven for the latest updates. Advance online tickets, with reserved entry times, are required. General admission starts at $14, with free parking on-site. (28186 Kettle Blvd. N., Wyoming, pinehavenfarm.com)

Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular

The Minnesota Zoo’s Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular turns a wooded trail into an illuminated display. The event features thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, including about 100 elaborate designs made by local artists.

This year’s theme places trivia questions along the trail, with carved pumpkins offering the right (and wrong) answers.

“The amount of artistic ability that they’re putting into a pumpkin really takes your breath away. The level of detail, and just the shadowing and depth,” said Diana Hein, communications manager for the zoo.

The carvings change throughout the run. Zoo staffers replace pumpkins as they deteriorate, usually every five days, so visitors may see different designs on return visits.

The event runs nightly through Nov. 1. Adult tickets range from $23 to $30. Hein said weeknights tend to be less crowded and expensive than weekends and advises guests to buy tickets in advance because they frequently sell out. (13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, mnzoo.org)

North Star Pumpkin Town

North Star Pumpkin Town in Chaska is built around a self-guided, illuminated walking route set up like a small storybook settlement. The attraction combines thousands of carved jack-o’-lanterns with themed cabins, a magic shop, an apothecary and storefront vignettes that create a pumpkin village.

The event opens at 6 p.m. on select fall evenings. Online tickets range from $16 to $26. Admission is free for children 2 and younger, and parking is free. (7410 Highway 212, Chaska, northstarpumpkintown.com)

Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze

The Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze offers a casual photo stop in Brooklyn Park. The free pumpkin patch is separate from the festival’s paid attractions, which include a corn maze and petting zoo.

The display includes traditional jack-o’-lanterns as well as decorative pumpkins in colors such as teal, pink, white and tan.

“We do have a pumpkin carver who comes several of the days. He does the cute carvings and if you ask him he’ll carve it out in front of you,” said operations manager Shirley Bouwman.

The pumpkin patch and festival are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends in October, plus Oct. 15-16 and Nov. 1. (8901 101st Av. N., Brooklyn Park, twincitiesmaze.com)

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

At the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, visitors can spot pumpkins arranged in a tree-like display near the visitor center, find more among the scarecrows on Scarecrow Hill or browse them at the AppleHouse, where you can also sample apples and other treats. A pumpkin house made with pumpkins and gourds adds another stop.

“Some of our folks who work in the vineyard are very big fans of pumpkins, and so they grow more than 500 varieties,” said spokesperson Lynette Kalsnes.

Why Hundreds of Quilters Are Coming to Minnesota This September

This September, hundreds of quilters from across the country will gather in Chaska for FamFest 2026, a two-day gathering hosted by Minnesota-based GE Designs. With classes, a gala, live music and performances, and a massive fabric tent sale, FamFest gives quilters a chance to connect, learn new techniques, meet fellow makers, and, of course, stock up on the materials.The event is hosted by Gudrun Erla, founder of GE Designs, whose path into quilting began in her native Iceland. Erla discovered quilting when she was 23...

This September, hundreds of quilters from across the country will gather in Chaska for FamFest 2026, a two-day gathering hosted by Minnesota-based GE Designs. With classes, a gala, live music and performances, and a massive fabric tent sale, FamFest gives quilters a chance to connect, learn new techniques, meet fellow makers, and, of course, stock up on the materials.

The event is hosted by Gudrun Erla, founder of GE Designs, whose path into quilting began in her native Iceland. Erla discovered quilting when she was 23 and eventually opened Iceland’s first online quilt shop. After moving to Minnesota with her family in 2003, she continued growing her business and developed GE Designs into an international quilting company known for its modern patterns, tools, books, and online presence.

One of Erla’s best-known creations is the Stripology Ruler, a quilting tool she developed after looking for a faster and more accurate way to cut fabric. The ruler became the foundation for a collection of GE Designs tools and techniques and helped shape the company’s focus on making quilting more approachable. For FamFest guests, the weekend is about more than a shopping trip. The lineup is packed with opportunities to get behind the scenes at GE Designs, take part in special events, and spend time with other quilters who have traveled from around the country.

The festivities will be happening from Sept. 10-12, beginning on Thursday with quilting activities and a special Paisley Park tour. On Friday, visitors can go behind the scenes at the GE Designs warehouse and studio before joining a live taping of the company’s Happy Friday show. That evening, the FamFest Gala will feature dinner, music, raffles, demonstrations, show and tell, and bingo. Saturday brings one of the weekend’s biggest draws: the annual GE Designs tent sale. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the company’s Chaska headquarters (125 Columbia Court N., Bay 8, Chaska) will open to the public for a free event featuring discounted fabrics, quilting kits, tools, live demonstrations, food trucks, music, and special guests.

GE Designs’ reach extends well beyond Minnesota, with its patterns, products, videos, and online programming connecting quilters around the world. FamFest offers those followers a chance to step away from the screen and meet the people in their community face-to-face. So, whether they come for the fabric, the classes, the special events, or simply the chance to spend a weekend surrounded by people who share their interests, FamFest is the perfect place to experience what GE Designs has built in Minnesota.

Chaska Basketball (2025-26) Schedule

Chaska Basketball (2025-26) Schedule2025-26Overall28-40.875 Win PctConference14-01st AAAA Section 2Home7-1Away5-1Neutral16-2PF2433PA1973Streak25W* Conference** Playoffs*** TournamentDate/TimeOpponentResultWatchGame Info12/21:00pm@EastviewW 83-65Box Score12/41:00pm@Lakeville SouthL 68-61Box Score12/97:00pm...

Chaska Basketball (2025-26) Schedule

2025-26

Overall28-40.875 Win Pct

Conference14-01st AAAA Section 2

Home7-1Away5-1Neutral16-2

PF2433PA1973Streak25W

* Conference** Playoffs*** Tournament

Date/TimeOpponentResultWatchGame Info
12/21:00pm@EastviewW 83-65Box Score
12/41:00pm@Lakeville SouthL 68-61Box Score
12/97:00pmvsChamplin ParkW 88-68Box Score
12/117:30pmvsShakopeeW 59-43Box Score
12/167:00pmvsWayzataL 98-84Watch ReplayBox Score
12/197:00pmvsEden PrairieL 78-76Box Score
12/2910:30amvsPrior Lake***L 69-66Box Score
12/304:30pmvsMinnetonka***W 62-49Box Score
1/61:00pm@AndoverW 92-58Box Score
1/97:30pmvsChanhassen*W 88-75Box Score
1/109:00pmvsEdinaW 61-56Box Score
1/137:00pmvsNew Prague*W 82-56Box Score
1/157:00pmvsJefferson*W 82-47Box Score
1/207:00pm@Orono*W 88-64Box Score
1/227:00pmvsFarmingtonW 95-83Box Score
1/237:00pmvsSt. Louis Park*W 84-58Box Score
1/271:00pm@Benilde-St. Margaret's*W 73-64Box Score
1/297:00pmvsWaconia*W 91-84Box Score
2/27:30pmvsChanhassen*W 79-43Box Score
2/67:00pmvsNew Prague*W 81-57Box Score
2/7TBAvsSt. PeterW 76-65Box Score
2/107:00pmvsJefferson*W 80-45Box Score
2/137:00pmvsOrono*W 67-54Box Score
2/177:00pmvsSt. Louis Park*W 89-66Box Score
2/207:00pmvsBenilde-St. Margaret's*W 76-57Box Score
2/247:00pmvsWaconia*W 91-88Box Score
3/4TBAvsShakopee**W 63-54Box Score
3/712:00pmvsEden Prairie**W 60-43Box Score
3/137:00pm@Prior Lake**W 62-59Box Score
3/24TBAvsLakeville South**W 71-53Box Score
3/267:00pmvsTartan**W 60-51Box Score
3/288:45pmvsApple Valley**W 63-55Box Score

Schedule CorrectionScore CorrectionAll School Events

Dungeons, dragons and burgers: Chaska gaming shop bringing community together

If you're looking for a place to roll the dice, battle a dragon or simply grab a burger, there's a gaming oasis in Chaska, Minnesota, that has all three.The Forge opened in 2021 with a goal of creating more than just a place to buy games and cards."We've just been trying to create a place for people to feel safe and have a fun time playing board games and card games and all that kind of stuff," owner Robert Cormican said.If you're a gamer, you'll find exactly what you're looking for at The Forge: board games, t...

If you're looking for a place to roll the dice, battle a dragon or simply grab a burger, there's a gaming oasis in Chaska, Minnesota, that has all three.

The Forge opened in 2021 with a goal of creating more than just a place to buy games and cards.

"We've just been trying to create a place for people to feel safe and have a fun time playing board games and card games and all that kind of stuff," owner Robert Cormican said.

If you're a gamer, you'll find exactly what you're looking for at The Forge: board games, trading cards, arcade games and more.

Cormican said he wanted The Forge to have a strong community focus.

"I wanted to open one that's a little bit different and kind of push it more into the community aspect of it rather than, you know, sell, sell, sell," he said.

Some events are free, while others have low fees to make it easier for people to participate. It's a full calendar, too, with weekly "Pokémon," paint and hobby hangouts, "Dungeons & Dragons" and "Magic: The Gathering" meet ups.

But what makes the shop even more unique is a sister restaurant literally right next door: The Bellows Bistro. The restaurant carries the fantasy theme into its food and atmosphere, designed to feel like a tavern straight out of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

"You come in and you feel like you're in a tavern," Cormican said. "There's some dwarves mining in the back, and there's some warriors outside battling a dragon, and also delicious food is just coming to your table."

Before opening the game store, Cormican spent years working in the restaurant industry. Opening the two together made sense.

At the Bellows Bistro, you won't drink cocktails, but potions and elixirs. Some drinks are even designed to change color when ingredients are mixed together.

Patrons can munch on tavern classics like fried mashed potato and cheese "Beholder Bites," "Blacksmith Burger" topped with a fried egg and candied bacon, and garlic, herb and parmesan fries called "White Tower Fries."

Bellows Bistro also hosts trivia every Thursday, including fantasy-themed questions and current events.

For the brave, and a particularly large appetite, there's the Beholder Challenge. The massive meal includes fries topped with pulled pork, ranch and barbecue sauce, eight burger patties, 16 pieces of cheese, three chicken-fried chicken breasts, vegetables, sauces and a Beholder Bite on top. The challenge costs $60, but anyone who finishes it in 30 minutes gets the meal for free — along with a T-shirt.

So far, Cormican said no one has successfully completed the challenge.

The Forge and Bellows Bistro are located off Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

WCCO is always looking for local businesses to highlight in its Homegrown MN series.

If you know of a Minnesota business that should be featured, email Beret Leone at [email protected].

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