Address/Location: Tell Grounds

Description of facilities: A large green field next to the outdoor stage where the Wilhelm Tell Drama is conducted. Port-o-potties are provided.

Cost of campground: $25 for a family of four.

Swiss Camping is held at the Tell Grounds the Saturday night of the Wilhelm Tell Festival Weekend (Labor Day). "Go to sleep in New Glarus and wake up in Switzerland" is how the camping is advertised.

At 5pm, about a half hour after the Wilhelm Tell Drama ends on Saturday afternoon, campers are allowed to pull their cars around and set up their tents. Some games are organized for the kids, but most people head into town to partake in the other weekend festivities for most of the evening. We had dinner and then went to the Alpine Festival at the high school auditorium in town.

When we got back to our campsite for the evening, we found a large campfire had been built. Several campers were gathered around the fire chatting and making new friends. The kids were running around playing a game they created called walkie-talkie hide-n-go seek. On a table set up next to the fire are plenty of large silver forks for roasting. Some pre-cooked authentic Swiss sausages where they for the adventurous to try. They also provided all the fixings for 'smores including plenty of marshmallows, graham crackers, and the finest Swiss milk chocolate. Once you've had a 'smore made with Lindt, you can't go back!

In the morning you are awakened to the sounds of alphorns playing on the hillside and goats with bells wandering through the camping area. Don't worry, they are on leashes. The alphorns started playing promptly at 7:00 a.m. I can't clearly articulate what a surreal experience it is to awaken in the cool morning air to the majestic sounds of the alphorns, but I hope I remember the experience forever. They music they produce is simply beautiful.

A classic Swiss breakfast was ready for us as soon as we popped our heads out of the tents. They provided breads, cheeses, meats and fruit. We mostly ate a type of Swiss salami, bananas, croissants and Swiss cheese. A game of soccer was organized for the children while the parents packed up the tent. Expect to be out of the campgrounds by 10:00 a.m.

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