Sugarcreek to celebrate Swiss National Day

Swiss National Day is the national holiday of Switzerland, celebrated each year on Aug. 1. It commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291, which marks the beginning of Switzerland as a unified nation.

With Sugarcreek showcasing close ties to the Swiss traditions, it is a natural fit that it would celebrate the day, and Becky Detwiler, curator of the Alpine Hills Museum in Sugarcreek, has gone to great lengths to make sure the tradition is celebrated.

On Aug. 1, Alpine Hills Museum will host some entertainment designed to honor the Swiss tradition.

“With our community’s connection with the Swiss culture, it’s important for us to continue to celebrate that culture any way we can, and there’s no better time to do so than on this national day honoring Switzerland,” Detwiler said.

On Aug. 1, 1291, three Alpine cantons including Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden formed an alliance for mutual defense. This pact, known as the Federal Charter of 1291, is considered Switzerland’s founding document.

Over time more cantons joined the alliance, forming what would eventually become modern Switzerland.

Over the many years, Switzerland has celebrated this cherished moment in fashion, with fireworks, bonfires and parades being common activities across the nation. Many communities in Switzerland still hold official ceremonies with speeches by local or national leaders and enjoy partaking in plenty of Swiss cuisine.

In rural areas Alphorn performances, yodeling and flag throwing are part of the festivities.

While Sugarcreek won’t be going hog wild with its celebration, it will present some of the simpler details of the Swiss national activities.

According to Detwiler, there will be Alphorn players performing near the museum, with appearances by the Ohio Swiss Festival queen and her court, along with a bake sale fundraiser for the museum.

Detwiler continues to work hard to promote the Swiss culture in the community as she strives to keep traditions alive for today’s generations to pass along to future generations.

“We definitely don’t want our ‘Swiss-ness’ to fade away,” Detwiler said. “That’s why it’s important to continue to educate everyone and especially our children about the Swiss culture.”

The activities at Alpine Hills Museum will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alpine Hills Museum is located at 106 W. Main St. in Sugarcreek.