The Gemuetlichkeit Days festival is just around the corner, and the Mecki contest is on — starting on September 8th, 2023! 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!
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Clue #1We don’t want to brag, but this year we are hunting the mighty stag. With his binoculars he can spy, when that mighty stag passes by. Mecki has his gun, so join in the fun! Be sure to get your aim and get in the 2023 game! We also must confess…. We are so grateful to Mecki’s sponsor, TDS! PROST! Clue #2 Mecki hopes you are this year’s Jager “meister”. Please come find him, because nothing would be nicer. By following all these clues, it should really make you think! They are like a chain; it all makes a link. If you are going to keep following this clue, you will need a good pair of Schuhe. Prost to you! Clue #3It is time to get your sight in gear! What are we hunting this year? Certainly not Wildcats, Eagles or the new Jefferson County bear! So, what is the clue we want to share? Here is one thing you must know; across a bridge you might have to go! If you find 2023 Mecki, we all can play! All night and all day, we might want to stay. Prost!
Clue #4Now that the bridge is open, we all want to shout! We no longer need to take this alternative route. Our city is a great place to drive, but on this street…it’s only 25. Unless children can be seen, then it is only 15. Our sweet Mecki, is like a diamond in the rough. We hope these clues are not too tough. Prost! Clue #5It’s Gemuetlichkeit Days! The time is right to hunt for Mecki, hiding in plain sight. For Mecki would be in such a rage if we locked him in a cage. But from this cage he can be easily freed! Are we having fun, yes indeed! Prost! Clue #6 I sit close basking in the sun. I can see the beauty as two rivers become one. Now it is your turn up to bat. Find this year’s Mecki and your wallet will be fat. We must confess, we are still so grateful to Mecki’s sponsor, TDS. See you at the festival! PROST!
Jessica Havill of Jefferson located the “hedge-hog cartoon character” — relating to Jefferson’s Gemuetlichkeit Days which will take place this weekend. Mecki was found this year at Riverfront Park in one of the dugouts on a softball field. Thank you again to TDS Telecom for sponsoring the prize money for this fun, annual Gemeutlichkeit contest!
