Schedule of Events
Activities that complement the Tell Drama. All are located under the fest tent on First Street in downtown New Glarus.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
• 11a.m. to 2 p.m. - Mike Myers Designs Inc. will present a live lampworking/glass blowing demonstration from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the tent. The demonstration will be conducted using a propane/oxygen torch and a simple studio set up.
They will be demonstrating how the glass rods react to the flame and then demonstrate how a simple glass pendant is created. Custom glass pieces will be available for purchase during this time and also during their "Art in the Park" demonstrations on Sunday.
• 2 to 3 p.m. - Yodeling by Tony Blum-Seitz and children
• 3 to 7 p.m. - Bob Klinger Band (Polka)
• 3 p.m. - Beer stand opens
• 7:30 p.m. - Yodel concert
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
• Noon - Yodeling by Tony Blum-Seitz and children
• 1 p.m.- Scherenschnitte (Scissor paper cuts) by Linda and Elda Schiesser
• 1p.m. - Book signing by Doris Streiff, author of two cookbooks, including "Down on the Farm"
• 1 p.m. - Book signing by Christine Keleny, author of "Rosebloom"
• 1 p.m. - Scrap booking/card making demo by Michelle from Picture it Made
• 3 p.m. - Cooking demo by Steffi Culberson, owner of The Goose Chaser Farm. Steffi will demonstrate how to prepare two Swiss dishes. Enter your name for a chance to win a free cooking class.
• 3 p.m. - Beer stand opens
• 6:30 p.m. - Yodel showcase
• 8:30 p.m. to midnight - Mike McIntyre Band (Polka)
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Beer, wine and cheese tasting, $10 per person. Sample from the New Glarus Brewing Co., New Glarus Primrose Winery and local Green County cheeses.
• Live Music by the Good Luck Singers and Singer/Musician Macyn Taylor.
The cast of local residents dressed in replicas of 13th century costume - along with a collection of cattle, goats and horses - present playwright Friedrich Schiller's story of how Wilhelm Tell, with his arrow and an apple, helped Switzerland achieve independence from Austria in 1291.
Three performances are staged in a beautiful outdoor theater: 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon performances are presented in English, and a 10 a.m. Saturday morning performance is presented in German.
Traditional folklore entertainment by the Swiss Miss folk dancers and the New Glarus Bell Ringers precedes the presentation. The New Glarus Usherettes, wearing 13th century Swiss Canton costumes, entertain with folk dance during intermission.
Other events complementing the Wilhelm Tell performances include:
• A Friday night "Laternenzug," a candlelit parade through town, with children and Tell cast members in costume
• The annual Wilhelm Tell Art In the Park fine arts and fine crafts fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
• "Go to sleep in New Glarus and awake in Switzerland" is a special night of Swiss-style camping at the Tell grounds Saturday evening.
• New Glarus Library annual book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
For specific Tell Festival weekend information, event times, and more, visit www.wilhelmtell.org.
New Glarus is in full swing during the Tell Festival weekend. Award-wining restaurants, unique shops and the Swiss Historical Village museum will be open throughout the weekend.
The Sugar River State Bike Trail, headquartered in New Glarus, offers the opportunity to enjoy a late summer bike ride through scenic Green County.
The Edelweiss Chalet Country Club and the unique Argue-ment Golf Course are open for a round of golf.
For more information about the Wilhelm Tell Festival, or New Glarus, contact the New Glarus Chamber of Commerce at (800) 527-6838. Visit the New Glarus Web site: www.swisstown.com. Ask for a free copy of the 24-page New Glarus visitors guide.