My maternal great grandparents immigrated to the states from Switzerland in 1905. My grandfather Lewis Albert Merz was the 5th of 12 Swiss children and grew up on a dairy farm/vineyard in Helvetia, Oregon (little Switzerland) We have been throwing a Swiss Edelweiss party on our farm to celebrate our Swiss Heritage for many decades to bring back our favorite Swiss traditions. This Saturday, October the 22nd(tomorrow), I personally invite you all to come out and enjoy Swiss Music by one of our favorite yodeler/accordion musican, Shelby Aeppli Imholtz(Another Swiss Lass) and her Swiss playing family(12-4pm). Also we will be serving Swiss Brats, Sauerkraut, Grilled onions, Apple Strudel and a Buttery Swiss Cookie called "Bratzlis." (Cue favorite Swiss joke, "you're a lil BRATzli)
Family traditions, rich food, music from the motherland and old county and celebrating our apple harvests by making 82 Apple strudels is a lovely way to spend a Saturday in the Hood River Valley. We have an alpenhorn and large cow bell that my dad always blows each year. Some people come wearing Lederhosen and swiss aprons and dawn their swiss hats and flag jewelry. Many of our Swiss relatives come out to give Swiss shouts and hoots and join in on the Swiss Celebration. My family has a long history of throwing big parties and inviting everyone over to enjoy their hospitality. This party is going to be a blast and I hope to see you all and give you hugs and swiss kisses.
We are having a sale on our apples/pears these next few weeks so come and get some fruit as well to take home to enjoy in the colder months. Our Hard Cider, Golden Row, my auntie and uncles wine, Elk Cove and Local beer will be served as well. This party happens rain or shine and we have plenty of canopies and warming heaters. Come say" hi,"to the animals and pick your own apples our or pumpkins. We'd be honored to have you all come to celebrate our Swiss family history and enjoy Swiss food and music on the farm. xo your grateful (Swiss) farmer.