Ohio Swiss Festival returns to Sugarcreek Sept. 25-27 with food, music and traditions

The Ohio Swiss Festival is a beloved annual celebration that will stroll back into Sugarcreek — often referred to as the “Little Switzerland of Ohio” — Sept. 25-27.

This festival, which began in 1953, honors the rich Swiss heritage of the region, brought by immigrants who settled in Tuscarawas County in the 19th century. Each fall Sugarcreek transforms into a vibrant hub of cultural festivities, attracting thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond.

“We like to call it the ‘greatest week in Sugarcreek,’” said Scott Gerber, former Ohio Swiss Festival president and current vice president and board member. “So many people make a habit of putting this weekend on their schedule because for many it is a time to reunite with family and friends, kind of like a big reunion for classes and groups.”

Gerber said this current group of leaders creating this year’s Swiss Festival is doing great work in continuing to recreate those original festivals.

“When our founding fathers here in Sugarcreek set about celebrating our history of Swiss cheese and agriculture, they started a festival that never stopped being something special,” Gerber said. “This is something we don’t want to ever see go away because it is so nostalgic and meaningful.”

He said passing along all the traditions of the Swiss Festival helps promote all the unique aspects of Sugarcreek, from its Swiss heritage and the cheese to the authentic building structures that remain loyal to the Swiss heritage.

The Swiss Festival welcomed a new president this year in Kelsey Mueller, granddaughter of local cheesemaking legend Paul Mueller.

Mueller has been involved with the festival for as long as she can remember, and she said the weekend continues to embrace and celebrate the local heritage.

“It’s important to us to keep the cheesemaker legacy alive even though the Cheesemaker’s Association disbanded,” she said. “It’s important to keep the Swissness alive in this festival in any way possible. This festival is a celebration of heritage and community, and our committee is so invested and passionate about making this a success.”

Mueller said the food is always something that beckons to her and many others, as does the idea she will get to reunite with people who always return to celebrate the Swiss Festival.

Gerber hopes the young generations will pick up the passion from today’s leaders to continue to make it a special event.

One of the main attractions of the Ohio Swiss Festival is its focus on traditional Swiss culture, especially food and music. Visitors can get authentic Swiss cheese, bratwurst, pastries, apple fritters, and a wide selection of locally made wines and beers.

The festival features live performances from Swiss-style polka bands, yodelers and alphorn players, creating an experience that reflects the old-country charm.

Performers throughout the weekend include Dustin Kines, the Garaway High School marching band, Joey Tomsick, Larry Nots & Mandolin Dave, the famous Garaway Alphorns, Aaron Dussing, Nick Bonner, Brothers Band, Moonlyterz, Alphorn Gruezie, Teddy Snyder and Sammy Kay.

“Our entertainment lineup features a little something for everyone,” Mueller said.

The Swiss cheese contest and auction is a signature event that draws particular attention.

“We have a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality cheese, particularly Swiss and Baby Swiss,” Gerber said. “Our number of cheesemakers may be shrinking, but we still have some incredibly talented cheesemakers in our area.”

Visitors can enjoy cheese sampling, adding a flavorful and interactive element to the celebration.

In addition to food and music, the festival includes a variety of family-friendly activities and traditional Swiss events. These include the grand parade on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. and the Killbuck Bank Kiddie Parade on Friday at 2:05 p.m., both strolling down the hill into town on Main Street.

There will be a craft tent throughout the weekend, wine and cheese tasting, a craft beer tent, kiddie tractor pulls, the Little Swiss Miss and Ohio Swiss Festival queen contest Thursday evening, and the Steinstossen event both Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.

“The Steinstossen continues to be a massive draw,” Mueller said. “It’s a big tradition full of some impressive bragging rights.”

Local vendors will line the streets selling crafts, souvenirs and Swiss-themed merchandise. The annual Cheese Chase 1-mile fun run and Cheese Chase 5k/10k race will take place Saturday morning, and concession rides also will add fun for the young and old.

Mueller said this year’s Cheese Chase is sponsored by NuCamp. She said the local company has taken over the reins and done a tremendous job in constructing and promoting the race.

Overall, the Ohio Swiss Festival is more than just an annual event; it’s a joyful expression of heritage, community pride and small-town charm. It offers a unique glimpse into the cultural contributions of Swiss immigrants to the region and preserves their traditions through music, food and fun.

“Everybody is a friend here at the Swiss Festival,” Gerber said.

Whether you’re there for the cheese, the music or simply the atmosphere, the Ohio Swiss Festival is a memorable experience that continues to celebrate the best of Swiss-American culture.

For a complete look at the schedule of events and times, visit www.ohioswissfestival.com.