Swiss Society Observes 50th Anniversary
The Grundy County Swiss Historical Society will host its annual Swiss Heritage Celebration Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CDT) at the Stoker-Stampfli Farm Museum in Gruetli-Laager, Tenn. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the family-friendly event. The public is invited. You don’t have to be Swiss to attend.
The celebration commemorates the 155th year since families from Switzerland settled the Colony of Gruetli in Grundy County. Nearly 700 people attend each year.
Bring a lawn chair, sit in the shade and enjoy the mountain breeze, or grab a seat in the pavilion and sing along with the Musik Meisters, the Nashville-based, German alpine polka band that returns this year. Show off your polka skills. Do the “Chicken Dance!”
Step into the past with a tour of the historic farmhouse. See the furnishings, quilts, documents, memorabilia and old farm tools that offer a glimpse into rural life in the 1800s.
Jump in the bouncy house and swing on the tire swing. Hop on the tractor-driven wagon for a ride around the grounds.
Visit the food trucks and booths to buy beverages, food, canned goods, baked goods, fried pies, Swiss cookies and Springerle cookies. Purchase T-shirts, caps, commemorative wine glasses, soaps, crafts, jewelry, handmade children’s toys, mountain plants and herbs. Cash only.
By all means, stop by the popular tasting booth and sample locally made wine and cheese. Warning: there’s always a long line!
Visit with old friends and make new ones. Above all, just relax and enjoy the rustic farm setting.
Additional vendors are welcome. To apply, please contact Jackie Lawley at (931) 235-3029 or <jackie@swisshistoricalsociety.org>.
The cost is $10 per person. Children under 12 are admitted free. Parking is free.
For more information, visit <www.swisshistoricalsociety.org>, the website of the Grundy County Swiss Historical Society.