Gemuetlichkeit Days – Jagen Zum Feiern

Jagen Zum Feiern – Hunting to Celebrate

Gemuetlichkeit Days (G-Days) is one of Jefferson’s longest standing traditions and is a great opportunity to celebrate the community’s German heritage. The family-oriented festival will take place from September 15-17, 2023 and marks the 52nd annual festival. There are many activities to keep everyone entertained.

Though the official festival begins on Friday, September 15th, the Gemuetlichkeit fun starts on Friday, September 8th with Find the Mecki! According to the G-Days website, “The Mecki is a fictional German hedgehog cartoon character that was created by German artist, Ferdinand Diehl, for the popular German magazine HorZu – making his debut in 1949. Mecki loves to play tricks and practical jokes. Mecki has been the unofficial mascot of Jefferson’s Gemuetlichkeit Days festival for decades.”

Photo from the Gemuetlichkeit Days website

Each year, a Mecki doll is hidden in Jefferson. Clues are released daily and whoever can crack the code to find the Mecki first, receives a $100 prize and the Mecki doll! Follow G-Days on Facebook for updates and the clues.

At the festival, there will be entertainment by a variety of bands, including lots of Polka Music! There will also be contests for people of all ages to participate in. Some examples of past contests that were held include an Ethnic Costume Contest, Euchre tournament, Beer Stein Holding Contest, and a German Food Contest. These are just a few of the many contests that occur during Gemuetlichkeit Days.

Do not miss the tapping of the first keg, the presentation of the King and Queen, or the Pretzel Polka Run, Walk, or Zero K. There is so much entertainment packed into the weekend, which makes it a great time. The schedule can be found here.

Lastly, the Gemuetlichkeit Days parade is held on Sunday and is a great experience for both children and adults. This year, following the parade, head to Rotary Park (just off of Main Street) to keep the good times rolling! Copper Box will be playing at the Rotary Park Bandshell from 2-5pm.

While downtown, be on the lookout for the decorated pretzels scattered around. These pretzels are part of the Arts Alliance of Greater Jefferson 2023 Street Art Project. You can also view and bid on the pretzels here.

If you’re planning to attend Gemuetlichkeit Days, you can purchase your button (your festival entry) ahead of time in the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, Towne Inn, Bon Ton, Wayside, Jefferson Café, Landmark, Fairview, Vinnie’s Rock Bottom, Duck Inn, Heron’s Landing, Premier Bank, FCCU, CC Credit Union, Badger Bank, Mobil, The Drug Store, Wine & Roses, Tan a Latte, American Legion, Twice is Nice, Piggly Wiggly, Awaken Salon, Ace Insurance, Astell’s, & The Works.

PROST!