Say cheese for the 64th annual Swiss Festival in Sugarcreek
“We're changing some of the entertainment, mostly in the bands, and we've got more girls going out for queen this year,” Sugarcreek Mayor Clayton Weller said.
The Craft Tent will return this year as well as the chicken barbecue and the popular apple fritters.
“My favorite part about the Swiss Festival is the Swiss cheese on a stick and the parades,” Sugarcreek local Brooke Shetler said.
Shetler has come to the festival multiple years as a resident of Sugarcreek and will make a special trip home from college this year just for the festival.
The festival kicks off Sept. 28 with the crowning of this year's Little Swiss Miss. The excitement continues from there with more events the evening of Thursday, Sept. 29 with the Big Wheel Race at 6 p.m. on Main Street.
The fun continues with the People's Choice Cheese Judging and Cheese Eating Contest at the pavilion. A new sweet treat will be added to this year's festival with the serving of Big Cheese, a cake made by Sweet Heritage Bakery.
The cheese indulgence continues with the crowning of the Champion Cheesemaker at the pavilion followed by the Swiss Cheese Auction.
“The cheese auction has grown every year despite that our number of ‘cheesers' or cheesemakers has decreased over the years,” Ohio Swiss Festival President Scott Gerber said.
The entertainment for Thursday concludes with the crowning of the Ohio Swiss Festival Queen.
The Friday, Sept. 30 schedule of events has something for everyone. The day will start with the posting of the colors by the Sugarcreek American Legion followed by a welcome message by the newly crowned queen.
The various musical presentations include the Garaway High School Marching Pirates, Hank Haller Ensemble Polka Band, North Coast Mix, The Joey Tomsick Orchestra and many more.
Activities for kids include the Kiddie Parade on Main Street and the Kid's Tractor Pull, which takes place in the stone throw pit. Swiss Festival Kiddie Parade results can be picked up after the 2 p.m. parade on Sept. 30 at the Main Street stage or Alpine Hills Museum.
“I'm really looking forward to seeing my niece in this year's Kiddie Parade,” Sugarcreek resident Lisa Miller said.
Events for Friday include the Mon Valley Push and Steintossen taking place in the evening. Saturday's activities begin with a one-mile fun run/health walk on Main Street followed by the 5k and 10k Cheese Chase. The Yodeling Contest and Swiss Costume Contest will take place on Saturday morning.
Saturday's entertainment includes North Coast Mix, Alphorn Gruezie, Imaginary Cookies and more.
The fun rolls on with the Antique Car Parade on Saturday afternoon followed by the Grand Parade. The Steintossen concludes Saturday evening.
“Last year was fun. It was great to see the smiles on the faces of everyone cheering for me,” said Brooke Landon, last year's women's Steintossen winner.
The 64th Swiss Festival will conclude with the showing of “Love Finds You” in Sugarcreek.
For a full list of events with times and locations visit the Swiss Festival website at www.ohioswissfestival.com or the Facebook page.