Since 1960, the Santa Clara community has gathered for Swiss Days, a three-day celebration of heritage, food and community spirit.
The purpose of this annual event is to celebrate Swiss heritage and the pioneers who settled in Santa Clara in 1861.
“I remember going to this event as a kid, and now coming back it feels so nostalgic,” Addisyn Painter, St. George resident, said.
Swiss Days is held the last weekend of September, starting with a community dinner and a welcome speech from the town marshal.
“You come for the entertainment but stay for the community,” Lincoln Miller, St. George resident, said.
The three-day event is full of activities for all ages to enjoy. The festival features local vendors, live entertainment, a mooing contest and more. Country musician Cody Webb performed a free concert Friday night as the festival’s final act of the day.
The events and entertainment showcased included Swiss dancing, a founding families booth, the mooing and yodeling contests and the Swiss Miss and Mister Pageant.
“I look forward to this event every year because it is one of those events that you know you will have a good time at and find an event for everyone to enjoy,” Macyi Smith, Washington County resident, said.
Residents are able to order a cow or calf cow standee and have it displayed along the road or at their home or business. Proceeds from cow standee sales go to raise funds for the community in projects, events and improvements. The cows also help keep Swiss Days an annual event.
Santa Clara uses the cow standees as marketing to represent the tradition of the Swiss migrating the cows for the seasons.
“Between the live music and local vendors, it’s a great place for the community to come together to support the town and its Swiss heritage that comes before us,” Brody Davis, Santa Clara resident, said.
The main event is the parade on Saturday, with a helicopter flying over and trucks tossing treats into the crowd. There were floats from local individuals and community members including Miss Santa Clara, Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Girl Scouts and others. The parade featured a cow that people could pet and take pictures with afterward.
“This is my first year coming here and I wasn’t sure what it was about,” Chloe Stevens, St. George resident, said. “I just saw the cows on the street and thought it was something cool to do for the weekend. I have enjoyed this very much and plan on coming back next year.”
