History
Lake Waconia Event Center, a well-known historic landmark, originally opened as the Paradise Nite Club in its location next to the lake on July 29, 1933. Weekly dances at the night club provided a diversion during the Great Depression.
Over the years, many local and regional bands and orchestras played at the Waconia ballroom, including the famed Minnesotans Orchestra in 1933, Ivan’s Old and New Time Music in 1948, Tony Jambor’s Polka Jamboree in 1964, Jules Herman (who played with Lawrence Welk Orchestra) in 1965, and the Underbeats, one of the Twin Cities hottest rock bands in 1966.
On December 10, 1971, the 40-year old Paradise was completely destroyed by a fire. A new “modern” Paradise that was 3,000 square feet larger opened on January 1973. In 1978 the property was sold to Elmer Wagener, Rick Wagener and Paul Storms, who renamed the facility Waconia Lakeside Ballroom and continued the music and dance traditions.
In 2008, the Wageners sold the ballroom to Carver County, and the County contracted with Lancer Hospitality to provide management services, including catering and events at the renamed Lake Waconia Event Center. In addition to providing catering for weddings, special events, banquets and corporate meetings at Lake Waconia Event Center, Lancer Hospitality continues to host dances, music and entertainment events at Waconia’s historic ballroom.
Lancer Hospitality is a well-established company with more than 30 years in the hospitality business. Lancer’s catering division provides innovative full-service catering at some of the most spectacular locations in Minnesota and Washington State. Lancer Catering’s experienced professionals will execute your event with uncompromising excellence.
