The Gemuetlichkeit Days festival is just around the corner, and the Mecki contest is on — starting on September 5th, 2025! 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. Our "Find the Mecki!" contest involves a 3-1/2 to 4-inch doll that resembles the famous German hedgehog. The Mecki is hidden within the Jefferson area in a public place. Clues to finding the Mecki will be posted daily after the start of the contest around 3:00 p.m. each day. The clues will be published here and on our Facebook page, and will be available at the Jefferson Public Library after 3:00 p.m. When Mecki is found, the finder must take the Mecki to the Jefferson Public Library. The Library will contact the Gemuetlichkeit Contest chairperson. A $100 prize will be awarded to the lucky winner and is being sponsored this year by Altruist Tax & Accounting, LLC!
Clue #1 Guten Tag Jefferson! It’s me Mecki and I’m ready to have some fun. I’m dressed to impress in Bavarian check with a blue handkerchief around my neck. My cane keeps me steady, as my lantern lights my way. Come find me and let the clock strike fun! Clue #2 Guten Tag! It’s me Mecki and I am hiding out again this year. I hope I will get to explore this Gemuetlichkeit City this year. I hear I can buy many things from coffee to wine, clothes, and even steins! While I'm in town I could grab a button for the festival too. This traffic is busy from morning to night. I hope no one spots my white lantern light, I’m sure it can be seen all around at night. Clue #3 Guten Tag! The days are starting to get cooler now. I’m glad I wore my vest to keep me safe from the cool air at night. Today the weathe Clue r is nice, and it’s finally quiet here. It wasn’t that long ago that this place was busy and loud. I think today I will lay back and enjoy the relaxing chimes that remind me so much of home. Back home Mucki and Macki would always play with the garden chimes.
Clue #4 Guten Tag! I’m all cleaned up shoes polished and shined, all ready for dancing with the pretty fräuleins. If you want the first dance with me, let’s link up before the first keg is tapped. I’m already dancing across this old lot! Look high, look low I’ve laid out the tracks, but be careful not to trip on these cracks. Clue #5 Guten tag! Hurry, Hurry the signs are up! Find me before the clock strikes fun! Look near a place where people like to take an old town ride. I can even see a market down by the riverside. If you hear the whistle blow, be sure to yield before the crossbucks, I’ll be waiting near the old shop.
Congratulations to Sophia Rosemann and her daughter, Mariella, for finding Mecki at Rock River Landing Park!
