Berne Swissfest, Minnesota, USA (58th annual)

The Charm of an Old World Festival, Family Entertainment at its best!

Saturday and Sunday July 30th / 31th, 2011

Once a year the descendants of the Swiss settlers bring Berne back to life. More than thousand visitors come to see the festival each summer, conceived as a means of keeping the Swiss heritage alive and vital. Visitors come from many states and even some foreign countries to see this Swiss Festival. 

 

Feature Entertainment:

Family features:

Entertainment:

  • Historical Village
  • Fahnenschwingen (Flag Throwing)
  • Steinstossen (Stone Throwing)
  • Scherenschnitte (Scissor Cutting)
  • Bauernmalerei (Box Painting)
  • Bobbin Lace Making
  • Bratzel Making
  • Climb the Swiss Alps (3-sided rock climbing wall)
  • Inflatable "Heidi House"
  • William Tell Archery Station
  • Button-Making Craft Center

There are continuous activities and events throughout each day.

 

Special Guest Entertainers: Toni Blum Seitz
The 2011 featured entertainer will be Toni Blum Seitz. Toni is a 6th generation Swiss whose descendants came from the towns of Bilten and Hatzingen in the Canton of Glarus, Switzerland. Toni began her interest in yodeling when very young. She had 3 older sisters who took lessons from world-renowned yodeler and flag thrower, Robbie Schneider

Read more about Toni at http://www.swissyodeler.com   (see earlier Special Guests Biographies)
  


There will be craft people demonstrating Bobbin Lace making, Spinning and Weaving with displays of Woodcarving.The 2011 Swissfest will also feature Scherenschnitte (scissor cutting) by Linda and Elda Schiesser.

 

 

Food fair:

Traditional Swiss Entrees

American Entrees

  • Alpen Macaroni
  • Raclette
  • Fancy Desserts
  • Swiss Pastries
  • Breads
  • Swiss Cheese
  • Berner Platte,  famous Bern platter will be served in the food tent on Saturday and Sunday all day.
  • Bratwurst
  • Toasted Ravioli
  • Beverages
  • Cheese Curds
  • Hot Potato Salad

  

Opening hours:

Saturday July 30th, 2011

11:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

Sunday July 31th, 2011 

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday Special

Special Swiss-American Sunday Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.

  

Admission:

FREE: admission is free this year

FREE: parking is free -   Organizations, bus and tour groups are welcome

  

Information:

Contact: 

How to get to Swissfest

  by mail:  

Berne Swissfest, 23148 County Highway 24, West Concord, Minnesota 55985

Swissfest history

  by phone:

1-800-322-2478 (toll free)

Swissfest pictures 

  by e-mail:  

bernechurch at pitel . net

Guest entertainers' and artisan's biographies

Follow Berne Swissfest: An authentic festival in SE Minnesota onFacebook

Swissfest is funded in part by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council in cooperation with the Minnesota State Legislature

 Find your Swiss Roots, swiss heritage and connections             History on Woodcarving          Listen to a short welcome speach in Swiss Bern dialect.

 updated: January 15th, 2011 by Will Andrist, Berne, Switzerland