Swiss Days September 3, 2008
Posted by Emily in : Family, Utah , 4commentsTelling really accurate stories is not my forte, so please read this account of how Midway came to be with a huge grain of salt.
My Great-Grandfather (or maybe it was my Great-Great-Grandfather . . . too many details to remember) emigrated from Switzerland a long, long, time ago. He was one of the first people to settle Midway, Utah. Today, the town is made of mostly Swiss descendants, and the buildings and homes resemble traditional styles found in Switzerland. Most of the citizens in Midway and Heber (a neighboring town) have the same last name as my maiden name, and I am related to ALL OF THEM. I don’t know many of my cousins (because there are like a thousand) but I just know that everywhere I turn, I’m PROBABLY RELATED TO SOMEONE.
Swiss Days is a festival every year over Labor Day Weekend honoring the town’s Swiss heritage. The celebration has turned into a craft show, and it is the largest of it’s kind west of the Mississippi River. 60,000 women, men and strollers come to this small town to watch the little parade, eat great Swiss pastries, and buy crafts.
This is the first time I have been in over 10 years. Two of my sisters, Allison and Rachelle, and my mom went with me. We had a great time, and we saw some great things. Check it out:
Me, Allison, and Rachelle. I would like to point out that I am NOT wearing make-up, and I DID NOT do my hair. You know, I like to look my best when I see long lost relatives.
This is the MC. I don’t know his name, but we’re probably related.
This dude was an AMAZING PIANIST. He didn’t look the part of a concert pianist, so I think that made him even better.
This is my uncle Gene, my dad’s older brother. He was the Mayor of this town several years ago. He looks just like my grandfather (who would be 113 years old if he were still alive). Pa, this is your future . . . eleven years from now.
Um . . . a woman DID NOT come up with this name. This sign has “Y” chromosome written all over it.
This sign is a must for every household.
Check out this chick listening to her music. ON A WALKMAN. WITH A CD. IT WAS PLAYING, I SAW IT SPINNING. My jaw dropped to the floor for two reasons when I saw this.
First, what music is that good that you just have to listen to it while at a huge craft show, maneuvering your stroller through massive crowds?
Second, can you still buy Walkmans? I haven’t seen anyone wear one in years. You would think a music enthusiast would have a digital music player.
Ugg! It was like a 100 degrees outside . . . so why this chick decided to sport her favorite Eskimo attire . . . (notice how she is carrying her jacket . . .)
Two of my cute sisters, Rachelle and Allison
This is the Town Hall. It is so quaint and Swiss looking. It’s almost like you’re in Switzerland.
The Town Hall
The gas station across from the Town Hall. All the buildings are very “Swiss” looking.
I found some great things to buy, and I enjoyed eating bratslies over the weekend. However, seeing how many people come to this event made me think, WHY DON’T I HAVE A BOOTH HERE? I could make millions off these crafty consumers! One of these years, you may see me in a booth, making a lot of money off craft-crazy-people!
