NEW GLARUS - When June 18 arrives, it will be the start of a four-day festival that will bring hundreds of people together from the United States, Canada and Switzerland for Saengerfest 2015. But the upcoming event is really the culmination of years of planning and preparation by the Saengerfest organizing committee and many others in New Glarus and Green County.

Beginning with a series of discussions starting in November of 2011 by several people in New Glarus, the decision was made to formally volunteer to host Saengerfest 2015. At the last Saengerfest, held in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, the Männerchor New Glarus was named the official host of the upcoming Saengerfest. As soon as that event in 2012 concluded, planning for 2015 began and the organizing committee was formed.

After a series of meetings, the songbook was produced and shared with NASSA member choirs, housing arrangements were made with area hotels, facilities were contacted and menus were considered. More recently activities included gathering information necessary to accommodate several hundred people representing the NASSA member choirs as well as guest performers from Switzerland. Currently details include ensuring that there are enough available chairs, tables, stage pieces, lighting, pianos, people, wine, beer, dishes, silverware, glasses and hundreds of other details to make the event successful.

Another important consideration is securing necessary finances. For several months, many area businesses and individuals have agreed to be sponsors of Saengerfest 2015. These sponsors have provided the finances and in-kind materials necessary to get the ball rolling but there is still much more to do before the festival begins. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or advertising in the Souvenir Book that will be given to every person who attends should contact Nancy Streiff, Dave Wyttenbach or the New Glarus Chamber of Commerce.

Another opportunity to support Saengerfest 2015 financially is to make a donation using the crowd-funding campaign hosted by nVest Wisconsin. To access information or to make a donation, visit the Saengerfest 2015 Facebook page or the Saengerfest website at www.saengerfest2015.com. There is a link to an informational video featuring Dave Wyttenbach and Nancy Streiff, a list of rewards for donating and an opportunity to make a protected online donation.

To view a complete listing of current sponsors, visit the Saengerfest 2015 website at www.saengerfest2015.com.