Katie Hermel
Hall of Fame – 1993
Katie Hermel (1922-2003) of St. Peter, Minnesota was the co-owner of the Gibbon Ballroom in Gibbon, Minnesota from 1961 until 1999 (38 years) with her husband Cliff.
Cliff made the Gibbon Ballroom famous for its annual “Polka Days & Concertina Jamboree” held the last weekend in July. The festival held a daily parade of musicians where the “Schneider & Sauerkraut Polka Medley” was played in all four venues with Cliff leading the parade and beating out drum cadence between the two polkas and while marching.
The festival also featured an all-day concertina jamboree that allowed all concertina players an opportunity to perform in front of an audience with a backup band. Not only did the concertina player receive a free drink, but Cliff also gave each one six silver dollars!