News from the region
Vevay marks bicentennial with community celebration
5/16/2013
Vevay celebrates its bicentennial this year with a series of events over the next several months. From “Everyday Art 1820-1860” exhibits at the Musee de Venoge and the Thiebaud Farmstead June 22-23, to the Community Birthday Celebration at the Paul Ogle Riverfront Park on October 13, Vevay’s calendar is packed with events, lectures, and festivals exploring the community’s rich history.
In addition to special bicentennial events, the Ohio River town welcomes visitors each month for Vevay Main Street’s First Fridays, when the historic downtown comes alive with music, carriage rides, art and shopping.
Switzerland County is one of the oldest settled areas in Indiana. Heathcoat Pickett settled in the area along Plum Creek as early as 1790. John James Dufour, a Swiss immigrant, established New Switzerland (eventually Switzerland County) in 1802 and founded the town of Vevay in 1813. The Dufour family introduced the first commercial vineyards to America, and Switzerland County’s history of winemaking is celebrated each August at the ever-popular Swiss Wine Festival (www.SwissWineFestival.org). It’s an area ripe for exploration.
Check the Bicentennial Committee’s new website for a list of upcoming festivities in Vevay, or visit http://www.switzcotourism.com/what-to-do/ for a complete list of events and activities throughout the year.
