Strike up the band, it’s time to polka

By George Althoff
Executive Director

On Saturday, Sept. 19, the grounds of Circus World will come alive with the sounds of polka music and the sweet smell of German fare and bratwurst when the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its 5th annual Oktoberfest. We’re inviting you to don your lederhosen or dirndl and join the festivities for an afternoon and evening celebrating this venerable Bavarian tradition.
The Circus World grounds will open at 3 p.m. Fest Masters Tom and Lisa Stout will kick off the event by tapping the golden keg at 3:30 p.m., followed with a performance by the always-entertaining BaraBrew WisconSing Beer Choir. Local polka band Griffy Jim and the Polka Dots will take center stage in the hippodrome from 4-6 p.m. And from 7-9 p.m., headline act The Mike Schneider Band will do its thing to keep the dance floor full. Schneider’s band has been nominated for 24 polka wards, winning Band of the Year from the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame in 2009. Mike was inducted into that Hall of Fame in 1997 at age 18.
Admission buttons cost $10 in advance and may be purchased at the Chamber office, 600 Chestnut St. Same-day admission is $12. Children are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is very labor intensive, so if you’re feeling the spirit, we can put you to work. We have shifts available on Friday, Sept. 18 (set-up), Saturday, Sept. 19 (various shifts throughout the event), and Monday, Sept. 21 (teardown). If you’re interested, you can sign up here.

Member Appreciation party set for Oct. 29
Ready for a little tailgate party? Indoors? Here’s your chance. The Chamber will be hosting its annual Member Appreciation Night on Thursday, Oct. 29, at Zeman’s Old Highway House, beginning at 5:15 p.m. in the lower level.
Because the Green Bay Packers host the Carolina Panthers that night, we thought we’d turn it into a tailgate event. Shannon and her crew at Zeman’s will be offering up tailgate fare and a cash bar will be available.
We’ll be giving away some door prizes, including the grand prize of two tickets to any Packers game in the 2027 season. Watch for registration information in future newsletters.