The Gemuetlichkeit Days festival is just around the corner, and the Mecki contest is on — starting on September 9th, 2022! 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, daily, in the Daily Jefferson County Union, the Watertown Daily Times, and 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 Cash Prize and the Mecki doll will be awarded to the lucky winner!
Clue #1 Today’s Mecki clue is to the tune of “Roll out the Barrel” Roll out the Mecki, Mecki’s a barrel of funRoll out the Mecki, he’s got the blues on the run.Zing, Zoom, Tararrel, with an accordion to bring you good cheer!Now its time to find the Mecki, for Gemuetlichkeit Days are here! Roll out the Mecki, Mecki is hidden in townRoll out the Mecki, time to look all up and downZing, Zoom, Tararrel, hand me a brat and a beerNow its time to find the Mecki, for the clues are here! Clue #2 Today’s Mecki Clue is to the tune of “Pennsylvania Polka” Strike up the music the band has begun, The Jefferson PolkaPick out your partner, you can walk, or you can run, The Jefferson PolkaIt started at the river, its now year number 51The Polka, It’s bound to entertain ya, Everybody has a mania to do the polka hop,From Jefferson, the main G-days stop! Clue #3 Today’s Mecki clue to the tune of “Just because” Just because you think J-town’s so prettyJust because you think J-Town’s so hotJust because you think it’s got somethingThat no other town has got.I’m Mecki and I’m hiding in your city.It’s such a busy spot. I’m telling you, baby read all the clues… just because, just because.It’s time to go outside and find me, because I’m worth a lot. It’s so lovely on the sides of north and southIt’s great to the east and the west. But it’s the heart of the city, that I love the best.I’m telling you baby, read all the clues, just because, just because.
Clue #4 Today’s Mecki Clue is in reference to “Who Stole the Kishka” Who stole the Kishka , Who hid the MeckiSomeone call the cops! I saw him running towards the sunrise.And I think I heard him singing,“In Heaven there is no beer….”Who stole the Kishka, Who hid the MeckiSomeone call the cops!He had a worried look on his face, And he’s hiding in his place But he can’t find the butcher shop.Hey, Hey… Ha ha ha…. Clue #5 Today’s Mecki Clue is to the tune of “Hoop Dee Doo” Hoop Dee Doo, Hoop Dee DooI hear a polka and my troubles are through.Hoop de doo, Hoop de deeThis kind of music is like heaven to me!Hoop de Doo, Hoop dee DooListen Closely and you will hear the clue.Hand me down my soup and fish.Tonight, I’m going to get my wish.When there is a car horn blowing, Ra ta ta ta taI get a thrill and I always will. Clue #6 Today’s Mecki Clue is to the tune of “Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie” Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie. Who’s not ready? Hollar “I”Let’s all play Hide and Seek. Apple Peaches Pumpkin PieI see the people passing by. How I love “hide and seek”.I’m not as a small as a snail, I see the people posting mail. Got to play Hide and Seek!Hiding here, hiding there. Maybe I will cut my hair!How I love “hide and seek”. Lots of things around here to eat. Now I need an ice cream treat. How I love “Hide and Seek”!
Pictured are Emmi Snyder, Breann Simonson, and Josie Simonson of Jefferson. They found him early Friday Morning, before heading to school and work. He was in a bush outside of Awaken Salon. Thank you again to The Fireside Dinner Theatre for sponsoring the prize money for this fun, annual Gemeutlichkeit contest!
