Cheesemakers statue unveiling to highlight Ohio Swiss Festival
One of the new highlights to this year's Ohio Swiss Festival will be the dedication of the new Cheesemaker's Statue that was placed Sept. 17 beside the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock.
When it comes to experiencing everything Swiss, one doesn’t have to venture to Switzerland. Little Switzerland of Ohio will showcase Swiss traditions, food, entertainment and more during the Ohio Swiss Festival in Sugarcreek.
The 2024 Ohio Swiss Festival will have a busy schedule from Thursday, Sept. 26 to Saturday, Sept. 28.
While the schedule will offer plenty of traditions and annual favorites, one new event this year will be the dedication of the new Cheesemaker’s Statue, which will take place Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
“I’m really excited to see this come to be because of the history of the Swiss cheese industry in Sugarcreek and the surrounding area,” said Walt Wilson, Sugarcreek mayor. “There’s so much history here, and cheesemaking has been deeply rooted in our community, so it makes perfect sense to create this monument and dedicate it to their accomplishments and impact on our area.”
The statue is from professional artist Alan Cottrill of Zanesville, a man who has crafted many historical sculptures that have become lasting tributes. It will be placed beside the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock near the main square in town.
“Cheesemaking is such an important part of who we are here as a Swiss community, and looking back over the years of the Swiss Festival, its roots go right back to the cheesemakers,” said Bev Keller, Ohio Swiss Festival director of sponsorships, advertising and publicity. “Back in those early days, cheesemaking helped build this community and made that first Swiss Festival possible.”
She said honoring the cheesemakers with the statue is something the village has wanted to do for some time because so many people recognize the role cheesemakers have played in amplifying the history of the Swiss people in the area.
Aside from that event, the three days will be loaded with Swiss experiences, food and more.
Thursday’s main events will kick off with the craft tent at 10 a.m., which will be open until 9 p.m. Rides will open at 5 p.m. The 2025 Ohio Swiss Festival queen crowning ceremony will take place on Main Street at 8 p.m.
Friday will feature the craft tent again from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with rides opening at 11 a.m. Wine and cheese tasting will take place at the fire station from noon to 9 p.m. while the Garaway alphorns will echo throughout the Sugarcreek Valley at 1:45 p.m., the alphorn crew assembling on Main Street.
There will be craft beer tasting from 3-10 p.m. in the tent on Main Street while the Steinstossen event, which will see people heaving giant rocks as far as they can, will kick off at 7:30 p.m. in the throwing pit.
Saturday will feature the early morning Cheese Chase 5k and 10k and the 1-mile fun run and health walk, with concessions and rides opening at 11 a.m. A series of events will kick off at noon including the Ohio Swiss Festival Tributes, a yodeling contest, a Swiss costume contest and a cheese eating contest.
The Antique Car Parade will roll down Main Street beginning at 1:50 p.m., followed by a Military & Safety Forces Tribute.
Then comes the big event at 2 p.m., the annual Ohio Swiss Festival Grand Parade, a time-honored spectacle that brings together both locals and visitors. Steinstossen fun will continue in the throwing pit at 7:30 p.m.
For those who enjoy live music, the weekend will be filled with plenty of it including performances from Josh Compton, Joey Tomsick, Larry Notz & Mandolin Dave, Aaron Dussing, Brothers Band, The Moonlyterz, Alphorn Gruezie, Nick Bonner, AlterNation and more.
Keller said the history and traditions of the Ohio Swiss Festival are among the finest in Ohio, and she said keeping those traditions alive through the annual event is important.
“The history of the Swiss Festival is unparalleled,” Keller said. “It’s a beloved event that has become a homecoming for many people and a destination for many who want to experience this incredible heritage, and those traditions remain a big part of who we are.”
For a complete list of events and times, visit Ohio Swiss Festival on Facebook.