Swiss Days

The last weekend in September is "Swiss Days" in Santa Clara. It's a really big deal here. The whole town transforms into a carnival with activities going on all day long throughout the weekend. Swiss flags line the streets and they even have a big count down sign.

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There are also events leading up to the weekend like a devotional Sunday night. (This year was the 150th anniversary of Swiss Days and Elder Haffen of the Seventy spoke at the St. George Tabernacle.)

Monday night was a Cemetery Walk where you could go and hear the stories about the original Santa Clara settlers.

Tuesday night was a song writing contest.

Wednesday you could go see a quilt made with squares depicting original houses of settlers, and learn about a children's book written this year about those who first came here.

A highlight of Swiss Days is the fun run/walk. This year over 760 participants joined in the run/walk!

And what festivities would be complete without a parade? Saturday was the Swiss Days parade featuring floats made be various families from town. There was also a tented stage featuring talent like the elementary school choir and the local children's violin group. There was even a special guest yodeler brought here just for the occasion.



Needless to say, during the week everyone celebrates their Swiss heritage. For us, we celebrated that my sister, Mackenzie, is serving in the Swiss mission. That's the best kind of connection to the Swiss, if you ask us!