DJ Shotski at Gemuetlichkeit Days in Jefferson

Since 1971, Jefferson, Wisconsin has thrown a Gemuetlichkeit Days party for community members and visitors to recognize the area’s German heritage.

The festival’s music and food on the county fairgrounds during the weekend is just one part of G-Days. Organizers work all year to host events and fundraisers, hustle business sponsors, and prepare the community for a huge Sunday parade. It’s a massive effort for a town of fewer than 8,000 people.

I’m so glad they invited me to play music in their biergarten this year. It was a great way to check out the festival that’s really close to Madison.

The event highlights included a food vendor selling the longest bratwurst I’ve ever seen, seeing friends who traveled from New Glarus, getting a shout out from Mike Schneider from the stage, and meeting longtime polka DJ and polka ambassador Dick Blaha from Milwaukee. We had a conversation about how polka keeps you young. I hope I’m still going to polka events in my 90s!

On the way home, I stopped for a burger and shake at Wedl’s hamburger stand. I didn’t get the Shirley Temple float, but I made a note to try this at home with some Peychaud’s bitters. The young workers were playing Munich-style polka music in the shop while they slung Chocolate Shoppe ice cream in cones. The kids are alright.