For organizer Tim Sebenaler, planning Chaska River City Days is like putting together 10 weddings. And yet, year after year, he finds himself back in the fray. And this year is no exception. River City Days starts Friday and runs through Sunday. (For expanded information, pick up a print edition of this week's Chaska Herald, or visit the River City Days Web site.)

“The best reward for doing it is to see others do well,” said Sebenaler.

Sebenaler said the whole essence of the annual event is “to bring non-profit civic organizations and the business community to local people.”

This year’s festivities are full of hometown substance from local entertainers and crafters to local celebrities. Sebenaler is taking advantage of the media buzz surrounding canoe adventurers Sean Bloomfield and Colton Witte. Friday night, they will receive accolades from the city for the completion of their recent trip from Chaska to Hudson Bay. In addition, the duo will host a meet-and-greet during Sunday morning’s Belgian waffle breakfast and will serve as grand marshals for the parade following the breakfast.

Entertainment will fill the city throughout the weekend. A range of musical acts are on the schedule from country rock artist Brittany Lee (formerly Keystone) and blues group Blue Steel to local teen rock band Undercurrent and the Chaska Middle School Jazz Ensemble and Garage Band. The sounds of karaoke will fill the gazebo on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s important to have something for everyone,” said Sebenaler, adding that there are also plenty of events around town to commemorate the weekend.

Downtown businesses are sponsoring their second annual sidewalk sales. The Chaska Parks, Recreation, and Arts Department is hosting a family beach bash at Firemen’s Park. And the annual fun run will be held on Saturday morning. It has moved from Sunday to Saturday morning and has been reduced from a 5-mile race to a 5K.

Other unique events for this year’s River City Days include the Chaska Historical Society’s exhibit on the 150th anniversary of the Chaska Moravian and Guardian Angels Catholic churches. Both churches are celebrating with specials, including the Moravian Church’s homemade apple pies and tours of Guardian Angels church (see related story).

Now as the time closes in on the event, Sebenaler has only a handful of things left on his to-do list.

“First is ordering the weather,” he said. “Then it’s just about filling the holes and gaps.”