Berne Swissfest, Minnesota, USA (55th annual)

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

Saturday and Sunday August, 2nd / 3rd 2008

Once a year the descendants of the Swiss settlers bring Berne back to life. More than thousand visitors come to see the festival each August, 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. 

  
Features Entertainment:
Family features: Entertainment:
  • Historical Village
  • Fahnenschwingen (Flag Throwing)
  • Steinstossen (Stone Throwing)
  • Scherenschnitte (Scissor Cutting)
  • Bauernmalerei (Box Painting)
  • Kinder Corner
    - William Tell
    - Swiss Story Telling
    - Sackgumpen (Sack Races)
    - Puppet Shows
  • Bobbin Lace Making
  • Bratzel Making
  • Swiss Alphorn (104 kB)
  • Swiss Dancing
  • Handbell Concerts (learn more about Berne Bell Ringers)
  • Style Shows
  • Swiss Yodelers
  • Stage Programs
  • Swiss Band
  • Yodelfest

There are continuous activities throughout the day before and after each program.

Guest craft people from Switzerland
Roman Räss, a very gifted woodcarver.  more
Erika Hager, very gifted in Scherenschnitte (Scissors cutting) more		 Special Guest Entertainers from Switzerland: 
Yodelling-Duet of Iren Kiser and Hedy Hodel - from the Bernese Oberland
Manuela Kiser - Acompanist for the Yodeling sisters.  more
  

There will be many other craft people demonstrating Bauernmalerei painting, bobbin lace making, using a spinning wheel, scissor cutting and other special crafts.
   
Food fair:
Traditional Swiss Entrees American Entrees
  • Hot Meals
  • Raclette
  • Fancy Desserts
  • Swiss Pastries
  • Breads
  • Swiss Cheese
  • Berner Platte,  famous Bern platter will be served in the food tent on Saturday from 5:00 until 7:30 p.m.
  • Bratwurst
  • Toasted Ravioli
  • Beverages
  • Cheese Curds
  • Hot Potato Salad
  • Soft Serve Ice Cream
  
Opening hours:
Saturday August 2nd 2008 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday August 3rd 2008 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday Special Special Swiss-American Sunday Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.
  
Admission:

13 and over $   5.00
Children  -12  $   3.00
Families $ 10.00
Preschool free
FREE PARKING  -  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 @ pitel . net
Guest entertainers' and artisan's biographies

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

 updated: July, 3rd 2008 by William Andrist, Swissfest is as well referred by www.swissroots.org