We’re squeezing in another sing-a-long. This time we’re learning the words to the anthem for Green County Cheese Days, “Cheese Day in Monroe.” You’ll want to sing along as we break the record for the world’s biggest polka party.
Get updates and logistics for the World’s Biggest Polka Dance.
Sing-A-Long: Cheese Day in Monroe
First, a correction. In my video update I said it was Betty Vetterli who sang the Cheese Days song. I should have said the singer was Martha Bernet. Apologies!
Green County Wisconsinites are deeply committed to the Swiss heritage of their region of the state. They make great cheese. And they throw a cheese party that’s so big, they take every other year off to rest.
When they set their mind to a goal, it’s bound to happen. Back in 2014, it was the 100th anniversary of the oldest food fest in the Midwest. They wanted to recruit 100 accordion players to perform the festival’s anthem of the long-standing event. Watch 137 squeezebox players and the Monroe City Band play the song. It’s a pure moment of celebrating history and community spirit.
“Cheese Day in Monroe” was penned by local musician and accordion champ Rudy Burkhalter in 1965 and recorded with accompaniment by the Monroe High School Band. In 1967 Rudy and Martha Bernet teamed up to make the studio recording I’ll play on Sunday’s show, which you can also listen to online.
The Sunday, September 8 live Polka Time episode will be PACKED with music from Green County. So. Many. Yodels.
Learn the words. Join me in the streets of Monroe on September 21. Let’s make this record-shattering goal happen.
Cheese Day in Monroe
Come to Cheese Day in Monroe
It’s the place for you to go
Music, dancing, yodeling too
And a big parade for you
And you know you will be pleased
When you taste Green County Cheese
Come to Cheese Day! Come to Cheese Day!
Come to Cheese Day in Monroe!
Polka Time: Where and when to listen
LIVE - September 8
Sunday, 7 p.m. - WVMO-FM 98.7 Monona
Streaming - last week’s episode
Saturday, 8 a.m. - WHYS-FM 96.3 Eau Claire - support WHYS
Saturday, 3 p.m. - WRJQ Goodtime Radio - support WRJQ
Saturday, 6 p.m. - WPCA-FM 93.1 Amery - support WPCA
Saturday, 7 p.m. - WVMO-FM 98.7 Monona - support WVMO
Sunday, 7 a.m. - WOJB-FM 88.9 Hayward - support WOJB
Sunday, 8 a.m. - WILW-FM 96.3 Waupaca
Sunday, 9 a.m. - WOCT-FM 101.9 Oshkosh
Sunday, 4 p.m. - WLSP-FM 103.5 Sun Prairie - support SPMC
Thanks to these community and volunteer-powered stations for keeping vintage polka on the air waves.
Events
September 19-22 — Green County Cheese Days, Monroe
Cheese Days is set to break the world record in the number of people dancing the polka at this year’s festival. And DJ Shotski is providing the polka tunes! Can you be a part of this exciting event? Mark your calendar and register with Cheese Days for details.
December 1 — Milwaukee Krampusnacht
Milwaukee Krampusnacht will be held on Sunday, December 1, 3-10 p.m. at Best Place and other businesses in the Historic Brewery District on Juneau Ave between 9th and 11th Street. DJ Shotski plays polka tunes from 5-7 p.m. in the historic Best Place hall.
Krampus is a folkloric monster of Alpine tradition. Children are told that goodly Saint Nick will reward them with treats if they are good, but if they are bad they will be visited by the hideous Krampus. Check back on the Krampusnacht website for updates.
Readers like you keep the Shotski Lodge open
The Shotski Lodge is a reader-supported publication. Support from subscribers like you gives me the confidence to pursue my mission to get more people to listen to vintage polka and vinyl records, including through this free e-newsletter.
Become a Shotski Lodge member - Substack offers paid subscriptions for people who want to be patrons of the Lodge’s mission.
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Hire me for a gig! - your community needs a polka party. Email me at djshotski@gmail.com if you have a venue or an event that needs a vinyl DJ.
Donate records - the answer to free records is always “yes.” I’ll give your records a good home (or I’ll distribute them to my vinyl buddies). Email me at djshotski@gmail.com if grandpa’s records need to get out of the basement.