Celebrate Everything Swiss-German in Indiana
The 59th annual Schweizer Fest kicks off next Wednesday in Tell City, Indiana. (Yes, “Schweizer” means “Swiss” in German.)
Road Trips Foodies will be intrigued by the food, which includes classic pretzels, cheese and craft beer.
In addition, the Schweizer Fest Wine Garden is open from noon to 6 p.m. August 13, 2017, in City Hall Park. This year’s wineries include: Winzerwald Winery; Blue Heron Winery; Monkey Hallow Winery; Quibble Hill Winery; Best Vineyard Winery; River City Winery; Indian Creek Winery; Windy Knoll Winery; Butler Winery; and Scout Mountain Winery. Entry to the event is $15 per person at the gate. payable at the entrance to the wine garden.
Back in 1958, the citizens of this small southern Indiana town decided to honor the early settlers and the founding of Tell City with a centennial celebration, and the festival was born.
Here’s how the city describes its roots, starting with a meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, in November 1856. A group of Swiss-German immigrants met there to organize a society known as the “Swiss Colonization Society.” Its purpose was to obtain affordable homesteads for mechanics, shopkeepers, factory workers, and small farmers.
The Society decided to purchase a tract of land three miles square. The group sent out to purchase the land was told to keep in mind a healthful climate, fertile soil, good water, ample timber, and a location near a navigable river and a railroad, if possible. Purchase of such a site along the Ohio River was made in July 1857. The tract, containing 4,152 acres, was laid out in 392 town blocks with 7,328 building lots and 294 garden lots.
