News: Wisconsin

Wisconsin State Club
State Club
By Shirley Sommerville

Hosted by the Madison Winnietascas chapter, members of the WI state club gathered Sept. 18 to spend the weekend at Jefferson Fairgrounds, Jefferson, WI. Gemuetlichkeit Days, meaning German Heritage Days was being held on the grounds. Friday evening, members watched the ceremonial tapping of the first in the Black Forest Garten – The Keg of Beer – Spaten Bier was imported from Germany. We enjoyed the German foods available on grounds, as well as the Polka music. It was fun to watch all the dancers and people dressed in traditional German clothing. This is a yearly celebration.

Madison chapter chefs, Fred Kosanke, Vern Magsamen, and Duane Somerville, prepared our Saturday breakfast. The chapter meeting followed. Eucher and Schafskopf card game tournaments were part of the Gemuetlichkeit schedule that morning, and Rex Ford and Bob Lischka were winners. An antique car show and more music was enjoyed in the afternoon and evening. We especially enjoyed Karl and the Country Dutchman, who played in the Linden Garten. We also enjoyed the parade of Kings and Queens.

Sunday morning our chefs prepared another great breakfast. The WI Southeast chapter was camping nearby on the grounds and invited us over for coffee and social time. Some members headed for downtown to watch the Bed Races and to also see the giant Gemuetlichkeit Days Parade. After the parade, we enjoyed more Polka music and a stein-carrying contest.

It was a very enjoyable weekend for all.

Roger Stremer 715-630-6778

Winnebago-Itasca Travelers