At Compass Orthodontics, we believe that showing up for our community is just as important as the care we provide inside our doors. That’s why we were thrilled to join James J. Hill Days 2026 as a Silver Sponsor, celebrating alongside our neighbors on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in downtown Wayzata, MN.

Sunshine, Sailboats & Lake Street 🌊

James J. Hill Days delivered the kind of September weekend Minnesotans wait all year for: blue skies, a sparkling Wayzata Bay, and sailboats drifting past our tent all day long. From September 11–13, families filled Lake Street to browse more than 175 street market vendors, ride the Ferris wheel at the Lake Minnetonka Carnival, and admire the supercars at the Imola Motorsports Showcase.

Between the dueling pianos on the Sandvold Stage, the Doggy Olympics on Panoway, fresh donuts from North Star Donuts (we may have indulged ourselves 🍩), and fun-filled parade, there was something to make every age smile. And as the sun set over the bay, the lakefront glowed with late-summer hydrangeas and families lingering by the water. ☀️

A Little History: Who Was James J. Hill? 🚂

The festival honors James J. Hill, the railroad visionary known as “The Empire Builder,” who grew the Great Northern Railway into a line stretching from Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest. His relationship with Wayzata began with a famous feud. When the young village asked him to move his noisy tracks off the main street, Hill tore down the downtown station and built a new one a mile out of town, reportedly telling residents they could “walk a mile for the next twenty years.”

The two sides made peace in 1905, and Hill answered with a gift: a charming Tudor-style depot right on the lakeshore, which he proudly called the handsomest on the entire Great Northern line. More than a century later, the Wayzata Depot still stands as a museum and beloved landmark, and since 1975 the whole town has gathered each September to celebrate. We love a story where a rivalry turns into a party. 🎉

Spin, Win & Say Hello

Our Compass team set up a booth with a spin-the-wheel game and a raffle for 50% off orthodontic treatment. Spinners took home Compass merch: sunglasses, water bottles, frisbees, color-changing cups, and our favorite “no stress” squeeze balls.

Groups of friends lined up to take turns at the wheel, younger siblings cheered from the curb, and parents stayed to chat about everything from first orthodontic visits to clear aligners. We loved every conversation, whether families were just starting to think about orthodontics or ready to take the next step in their smile journey.

Why Community Outreach Matters to Us

Wayzata is a neighbor in every sense: just down the road from our Medina office and woven into the same schools, ballfields, and lake days as so many of our families. Dr. Adam Sperl and many of our Compass team are proud to call the West Metro home. Events like James J. Hill Days remind us of why we opened Compass in the first place — to serve families in Medina, Plymouth, Wayzata, Orono, Maple Grove, New Hope, Crystal, Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Minnetonka and the surrounding Lake Minnetonka community in a way that feels personal, warm, and rooted in real relationships.

We’re deeply grateful to the Wayzata West Metro Chamber and presenting sponsor Sandvold Financial Group for hosting such a special weekend, and to all of the fellow sponsors and vendors who made it so memorable. And of course — thank you to every family who stopped by our booth to say hello and spin the wheel. 🧡

Ready to Discover Your Smile?

If we met at James J. Hill Days — it was so wonderful to connect with you! We’d love to see you at Compass. All consultations are completely complimentary and can be scheduled at your convenience at compass-orthodontics.com.

See you by the lake next September. 🧭

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This Explorer Post was reviewed by Dr. Adam Sperl, Board-Certified Orthodontist and founder of Compass Orthodontics in Medina, MN.