MONROE — Turner Hall of Monroe will celebrate Switzerland’s 732nd birthday on Aug. 1, Swiss National Day. The building is the only Turner Hall of Swiss origin left in the United States.  

Swiss National Day commemorates the writing of the Swiss Federal Charter of 1291 when the cantons (states) of Schwyz, Uri, and Unterwalden swore the oath of confederation, an action which later came to be regarded as the founding of Switzerland.

The public is invited to Turner Hall’s Ratskeller restaurant for the evening event, which will include entertainment by D’Schwiizer Gruppe, an instrumental ensemble from New Glarus that plays traditional Swiss folk music; the singing of the Swiss national anthem; and a short video about the Swiss confederation’s historic birthplace known as the Ruetli Meadow, now considered a national monument.  

The evening will start with social time at 5:30 p.m., followed by an authentic Swiss buffet at 6 p.m., which will feature Geschnetzeltes, Roesti, Alpler macaroni, French onion soup, salad bar, and a Raclette station.  

The cost is $15 per person and includes beverage, tax, and tip. 

A short program will follow at 7 p.m. Due to limited seating, reservations are required and can be made by calling 608-325-3461. Leave a message with a name and a call-back number for confirmation. 

Diners are welcome and encouraged to wear Swiss attire if desired. 

Turner Hall of Monroe is located at 1217 17th Avenue, two blocks south of the downtown square. It is handicapped-accessible and listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.