About

Gemuetlichkeit Days is a community festival to build spirit and unity by celebrating our community’s German heritage in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Gemuetlichkeit Days (ge-meat-li-kite) was started in 1971 to celebrate the German heritage of many of the residents of the Jefferson area. The festival was first held under tents in the down town area. The festival quickly grew and needed far more space to hold the crowds. In 1975 the festival was moved to the Jefferson County Fair grounds and has been held there every year since then.

Gemuetlichkeit Days tries to present a variety of entertainment to our guests. We offer some of the finest German music and Polka music in the country as well as some local favorite bands. We offer a variety of German and local foods as well as contests, activities and a great parade. The festival is always held the 2nd weekend after Labor Day.

This is a fun weekend, so we hope you will participate. Come up with a great decoration idea for a float and enter our parade. Why not decorate your business or your home? Enter one or more contests. Bring the whole family. Don’t forget to search for the Mecki doll. You could win $100 if you find it.

Gemuetlichkeit Days has some traditions, but there have been different contests and events over the years. The beer drinking contest was a favorite event in the early years. Bed races have been held various years. The Tapping of the Keg was an actual tapping of a wooden barrel of beer, but now a ‘Ceremonial’ Tapping of the Keg kicks off our event.