Swiss festival in Sutton

Bring your alpenhorn - the swiss are coming to Sutton

By Manfried
For the 35th year, the Swiss are invading Sutton next week. Billed as the largest Swiss Festival outside of Switzerland, every year the town of Sutton goes all out to make this a great week for tourists and locals. Swiss flags will fly all week from telephone poles, Swiss music will be played on the public pa. system and the whole town gets into the swing of alpenhorns and jodlers.
 Festivities begin on the 29th, with an exhibition of works of Swiss artists living in Canada.  Four of these artists live in Sutton.  The exhibition will take place at Galerie Farfelu from11:00 a.m. to9:00 p.m.   Sixteen Swiss musicians will entertain residents and tourists alike onMain Street from3:00 p.m. to9:00 p.m.  A great sidewalk sale will take place on Main Street throughout the week-end.  Restaurants have added a Swiss breakfast to their menu and the Sutton Museum will be open to the public Saturday and Sunday from noon to4:00 p.m.  Admission is free to visit the current exhibition:  "The Great Fire of 1898".
There will be concerts on the mountain, a shooting competition, an ecomenical service and a free shuttle service from downtown as well as music in the park on main street and numerous smaller events in restaurants and galleries throughout the town. The ski lift will also operate to afford visitors the spectacular views from Mt. Sutton. Plus, there is a Swiss wrestiling competition.
 Last year the Federation of Swiss Societies in Eastern Canada recognized the contribution of Swiss families established in Sutton for many years.  Heritage Sutton is pleased to present, in its 14^th History Sketchbook, published in May 2011, an article written by Catherine Canzani entitled Sutton, the Little Switzerland.  These sketchbooks may be purchased at the Museum at the cost of 5$.
A Swiss lampion procession and traditional bonfire with alphorns, Swiss folk music and dancing is slated for Saturday as well    Lots of fun to be had until1:00 a.m.  This year’s tombola 1st and second prizes are 2 plane tickets Montreal-Zurich and an original painting from Jean-Daniel Rohrer.