100 Gnomes To Be Hidden In 39 Waukesha Area Parks

WAUKESHA, WI— Oktoberfest in Waukesha was supposed to be held this weekend. The pandemic canceled the two-day festival of non-stop music, food, beer, old-world games, and activities.

But, the city has come up with an alternative.

Joanna Adamicki, the special events coordinator for the city's Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, said city staff was trying to come up with an alternative where people could still get outside.

"Gnomes are considered to be originating from Germany," Adamicki told Patch.

The department announced that "mysterious, mischievous gnomes have infiltrated the City of Waukesha and the public is asked to help reclaim the city," according to a news release.

One hundred gnomes have been hidden in 39 parks and must be found during the “Gnome Nose Around,” event Sept. 25 through Oct. 4. Anyone registering for the Gnome Nose Around event at Waukesha-wi.gov/1943/Gnome will be eligible to win one of two $100 gift cards.

Located gnomes should be brought to the department at 1900 Aviation Drive, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Anyone who finds a gnome will be able to choose a prize from past Oktoberfest merchandise. Retrievals should be logged online.

Gnome seekers are encouraged to register to play to be eligible for prizes even if they don’t locate a gnome.

"There is still a chance to win something," Adamicki said.

Adamicki added people can keep the gnome after they find it.

At least two gnomes are hidden in each of the following parks: Banting; Bethesda; Buchner; Cutler; Davids; Dopp; Fox River Parkway North; Fox River Parkway South; Fox River Sanctuary North; Fox River Sanctuary South, Frame; Glacial Cone; Grandview; Heritage Hill; Heyer;

Hillcrest; Horeb Springs; Kisdon Hill; Lowell; Meadowview; Merrill Crest; Moorewood; Parkview; Prairie; Pebble Valley; Priedeman; River Valley; Rivers Crossing; Roberta; Saratoga; Sentinel; Springs; Veterans; Woodfield; and Youmans.

“Not in the recorded history of Waukesha have gnomes descended upon the City in this capacity,” said Mayor Shawn Reilly. “We hope the public will help and head out to our City parks for some fresh air, exercise, and of course, to retrieve the gnomes.”

You can find more information about WPRF activities online or by calling 262-524-3737.