Swiss Heritage Celebration
It’s time for the annual Swiss Heritage Celebration on Saturday, July 30, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CDT) at the Stoker-Stampfli Farm Museum in Gruetli-Laager, Tenn. The public is invited to join the fun.
The event commemorates the 153rd year since families from Switzerland settled the Colony of Gruetli in Grundy County. Nearly 700 people visited the 2021 gathering. During the 48-year history of the festival, Consuls General from the Swiss Consulate in Atlanta have attended as honored guests and speakers.
The Mountain Top Polka Band from Asheville, N.C., will return with its rousing repertoire of polkas, marches and waltzes. The audience is invited to join in the band’s sing-along and polka lessons.
Besides the music and dancing, visitors can glimpse rural life in the late 1800s by touring the historic farmhouse and viewing its furnishings, documents, memorabilia and quilts. Attendees can purchase soaps, crafts, handmade children’s toys, mountain plants and herbs. Local artisans will demonstrate soapmaking, woodworking, and carding and weaving of Alpaca wool.
Children will enjoy jumping in the bounce house, swinging on a tire swing and climbing on the fire truck, courtesy of the local fire department. Kids of all ages can ride a flag-festooned wagon around the grounds.
Vendors will be on hand to sell beverages, bratwurst, sandwiches, Greek food, canned goods, fried pies and baked goods, including Swiss cookies and Springerle cookies. A highlight of the day is always the tasting booth featuring locally made wine and cheese.
The cost is $5 per person. Children under 12 are admitted free. Plenty of parking is available.
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