A weekend where everyone is German! Join us for Polka Music all weekend long!

Schedule of Events:

September 15th - 17th
Nagelspielen
Time: Available the Entire Weekend
Location: The Blackforest Garten
This simple game reportedly dates back to the first Oktoberfest in 1810. The object is to pound one's own nail into the wood before your opponent! Test your skills pounding nails into a log while holding a drink in your other hand. Purchase nails at the Souvenir counter.
Contact Person: Bob Gruennert

Friday, September 15th
"Kick Off" Mike Schneider
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Location: The Blackforest Garten
Getting things started with the polka sounds of Mike Schneider.
Ceremonial Program
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: The Blackforest Garten

Ceremonial Tapping of the first Keg
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Blackforest Garten
In true German fashion, the festival officially begins with the tapping of the first keg of bier.
Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band
Time: 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Location: The Blackforest Garten

Flag Raising Ceremony
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Outside, just east of the Activity Center
Mike Schneider
Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Location: The Linden Bier Garten

Mike Schneider will continue to entertain you in the Linden Garten
Presentation of Kings and Queens
Time: 8:00 p.m. Location: The Blackforest Garten
Beginning in the Linden Garten, then presenting in the Black Forest Garten. Floral donation by Wine & Roses.

Saturday, September 16th
Randy Schopen Foundation Pretzel Polka Run, Walk, Zero K
Time: 9:00 a.m.
For more information or to pre-register, go to randyschopenfoundation.org/run.
Ethnic Costume Contest
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: The Black Forest Garten

Registration at 9:15 a.m. in the Linden Garten.
Age categories are: 0 to 2, 3 to 5, and 6 to 12 years old.
Costume contest for both Homemade and Authentic costumes. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Honorable Mention in each category.
Contact Person: Kelly Becker (920) 674-4244

Vintage Car Show
Time: 10:00 a.m. Location: The Infield Area
Participant ribbons to the first 25 entries. Three trophies awarded. King's Choice for Best Pre-War, Queen's Choice for Best Post-War and President's Choice for Overall Favorite.
Contact Person: Bill Becker
Sponsored by: Aumann's Service, Inc. & NAPA Auto Supply

Euchre Tournament
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: The Linden Bier Garten
Registration for Euchre starts at 9:00 a.m., with play to begin at 10:00 a.m. SHARP! Trophies & prize money for 1st place with prize money to the rest as determined by the number of participants. Registration fee of $2.00 is required as is a button for admission to the grounds, BUT there is free admission from 9:00a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. All money is given out in prizes. Players must be 18 or over to participate.
Sponsored by: Griffin Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Jefferson

Little Tykes/Big Wheel Races
Time: 10:45 a.m. (Weather Permitting) Location: Look For Signs
Age groups for Little Tykes: 18-23 months, 24-29 months, 30-35 months, 36-41 months, 42-47 months Age groups for Big Wheels: 3-4; 5-6; and 7-8
Maximum weight for Little Tykes is 35 pounds (Big Wheels provided by Gemuetlichkeit Days) Organized and run by the Jefferson Optimist Club

The Bryan O'Donnell Band
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Location: The Black Forest Garten
Dance to the polka tunes of the Bryan O'Donnell Band!

Children's Stein Carrying Contest
Time: 11:30 a.m. (Weather Permitting) Location: Look For Signs
Event to be held immediately after the Little Tykes/Big Wheel Races. Registration is at 10:45 a.m.

Polka Hop Lessons
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Location: The Black Forest Garten
Who doesn't know how to polka? Well, in case it's you, no need to worry. The Wisconsin Polka Boosters is offering Polka Hop Lessons that will get you up to speed so you can polka to the great sounds of our musical entertainment to your heart's content.
Sponsored by: Wisconsin Polka Boosters

Schafskopf Card Tournament
Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: The Linden Bier Garten
Registration is at 1:00 p.m., play begins at 1:30 p.m. Schafskopf is a popular German trick-taking card game that dates back to 1803 and is still the national card game of Bavaria, where it is still played by over 2 million people! Sponsored by: Griffin Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Jefferson

Keith Gennerman Band
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Location: The Black Forest Garten
Mollie B
Time: 7:00-10:30 p.m. Location: The Blackforest Garten
Dance to the music of International Polka Hall of Famer, Mollie B.

Dan Lepien Band
Time: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Location: The Linden Bier Garten
Enjoy the country sounds of the Dan Lepien Band.
Masskrugstemmen (Beer Stein Holding) Contest
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: The Black Forest Garten
How long can you hold out full steins? Test your strength and compete with your friends to find out!

Sunday, September 17th
52nd Gemuetlichkeit Days Parade
Time: Starts at noon
Come and enjoy the great Gemuetlichkeit Days Parade at a location to be determined in Jefferson at noon. Then head down to the Jefferson Rotary Park (one block West of Main Street) to listen or dance to the music of Copper Box with no admission button required.
The grand prize drawing will be held at 4 p.m.

NEW! Jefferson Rotary Park
Time: Following the Parade, Rain or Shine Location: Jefferson Rotary Park

Copper Box
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: The Jefferson Rotary Park Stage

Date: September 15 - 17, 2023

Location:
Jefferson County Fair Park
503 North Jackson Avenue, Jefferson, WI 53549

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