Hugs,

goodbyes

as Gibbon

ballroom

closes

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

GIBBON -- At the end of the last number on the last evening of Polka Days, Joe and Bess Schneider stood outside the Gibbon Ballroom close together while some friends snapped a picture.

It was the end of 33 years of friendship, food, dancing and fun at the ballroom, which closed its doors indefinitely Sunday night.

Ever since the noise and drunkenness forced Polka Days into exile from the streets of New Ulm in 1971, lovers of the dance had flocked to Gibbon for four days to indulge their passions indoors.

But that's not to be anymore, or at least not any time soon.

Ballrooms owners, Richard and Sharon Seeboth of New Ulm, have said they're closing ballroom simply because it requires more time than they can afford to give it.

That news saddens people like the Schneiders, but many of the ballroom's longtime patrons say they understand why it is closing.

Donna Borland said it was music that brought her and her husband out to Gibbon from Lebanon, Ore., 23 years ago. The two have returned every single year since.

"This is really sad to see it go, but I can understand why it's happening," she said. "I didn't get to see it in its heyday, but I've heard stories and seen pictures."

While the ballroom might not be open next year, the Borlands say they're still going to come back to Gibbon to visit the friends they've made at Polka Days past.

Like many of the people who danced their last dance Sunday evening, the Borlands say they're optimistic that the Gibbon Ballroom will re-open with a new owner.

"It's not over yet. Somebody might buy it and if they do, we'll be back," she said.

Originally built as a skating rink in the Gibbon city park, the ballroom was moved outside city limits because of noise complaints in 1933. It has sat besides State Highway 19 practically ever since then. In those years, it was the site of many concerts, dances and wedding receptions and was a popular part of the local ballroom circuit that also included places in New Ulm, Mankato and Hutchinson. It passed from the hands of its original owners, the Hermels, to another businessman, then back to the Hermels, who sold it to the Seeboths in 1999.

"I won't miss the worry, but I will miss the people," said Sharon Seeboth, looking out onto the dance floor from behind the bar.

She said Polka Days could return if someone bought the ballroom. She said she has received some indication of interest, but did not comment further. Richard Seeboth said the ballroom won't be taking any more bookings now that it has closed.

"We are absolutely locking our doors after this," he said.

Bernie Williams, a bass horn player from Hutchinson, said he remembered some of the gigs he had at the Gibbon in the past 25 years.

"It's a tradition," he said. "I've got a recording I made here and I'm going to call it 'Gibbon, Minnesota.' I've got to do that."

Phyllis Sabata of Lincoln, Neb., has sold polka and square dance tapes and clothing at the Gibbon for nearly 21 years. She regards the Gibbon Ballroom as one of her largest dates of the entire year.

"I'm definitely going to miss this place," she said. "It's always electrifying just to walk in here."

While the Leon Olsen band played the last few waltzes, there were hugs and good-byes said. Sabata, in particular, said farewell to the cooks that worked in the kitchen and some of the people she'd come to know over the years.

"I'm sad to see it close. It's one of the best floors in the Midwest," she said.