March 29, 2005
Swiss heritage in Wisconsin
Here's a neat article describing tourst attractions in Wisconsin: In Wisconsin's cheese country, townspeople hang on to tradition. I'm especially interested in the festivals:
June 24-26: Heidi Festival in New Glarus, Wis., with a play performed in the high school and an art fair, 1-800-527-6838, www.swisstown.org.Posted by James Trotta at March 29, 2005 2:00 PMAug. 6-7: Swissfest in Berne, Minn., west of Pine Island in southeast Minnesota. 1-800-322-2478, www. andrist.ch/berne.htm.
Aug. 7: Volksfest in New Glarus, celebrating Swiss Independence Day.
Sept. 2-4: Wilhelm Tell Festival in New Glarus, an outdoor pageant in German and English, with a Swiss fashion show and children's lantern parade.
Sept. 4-5: Lanzefest in New Glarus, a medieval festival with jousting, swordplay and gypsy dancers.
Oct. 7-9: Octoberfest in New Glarus, with a Civil War encampment and demonstrations Oct. 9 at the Swiss Historical Village, including old-time cheese-making, broom-making, scissor-cutting, basket-weaving and br?zeli-rolling.
In even-numbered years, Monroe holds its Green County Cheese Days on the third weekend of September.
I am of Swedish descent myself, and there is a neat little town in central Kansas called Lindsborg. They embrace their heritage, and keep the buildings and cuisine as accurate as they can.
If anyone is interested in learning more about their ethnic heritage you do not have to travel to that country to do so. There are stil communities across the country keeping their unique identities alive. If there is not one near you the local university may have any number of clubs, classes, and organizations that would love to share what they know with you. Don't forget the local churches, or equivalent.
Simply find the local branch of the dominant religion of the area you are interested in. For Hebrew, or an understanding of Israel, I would talk to the local Rabbi or temple for help. Greek, Latin, Russian, and similar languages can be found in many (not all) Catholic, Roman Catholic, or Orthodox churches. You will often find groups of native speakers that are learning English and would welcome the chance to practice on you. Hey, they might even invite you to a church potluck full of authentic cuisine. :)
Posted by: kimmy3771 at March 31, 2005 2:34 PMasdfghjkl