Schweizerfest aims to continue Highland tradition
Schweizerfest in downtown Highland featured games, carnival rides, live music, food and beverages, and a parade, all operated under the local Jaycees. This year’s theme was, “Schweizerfest in Space: 250 Years of Exploration.” (Brittany Blackwell photo)
By Brittany Blackwell
Reporter • Schweizerfest continues to honor its longstanding principles: celebrating heritage, fostering community, and giving back.
“This is a free event put on entirely by volunteers,” said Zach Resmann, co-chairperson of Schweizerfest 2026. “It’s about community involvement and getting people together.”
The festival takes place annually on the second weekend of June and features games, carnival rides, live music, food and beverages, and a Saturday evening parade.
Schweizerfest operates under the Highland Jaycees but maintains independent officers and finances. Aside from funds reserved for next year’s event, all proceeds are donated back to the community, according to Resmann.
This year’s theme, “Schweizerfest in Space: 250 Years of Exploration,” recognized America’s 250th anniversary with a focus on space exploration. Themes are chosen in advance and guide festival elements, including parade entries, which are judged on how well they reflect the theme.
Don Hocker served as this year’s chairperson, and Johanna Wyatt has been named chairperson for 2027 through the festival’s succession plan. The chairperson oversees the three-day event, which was held June 12-14.
Highland resident David attended with his daughter Eva and her friend Zoey on Sunday afternoon, eating festival treats together at the square.
Highland resident David attends Schweizerfest with his daughter Eva and her friend Zoey on Sunday, eating festival treats together at Highland Square. (Brittany Blackwell photo)
“We look forward to it,” he said. “We’re enjoying the beautiful weather today.”
Although Schweizerfest attracts thousands, Resmann encourages residents to stay engaged with the community year-round by considering joining the group. He and other members are currently seeking newcomers ages 18 to 40 as part of the group’s renewed focus on membership.
“I want to encourage people to feel a sense of civic duty,” he said, as a Jaycee since 2012.
Throughout the weekend, community organizations such as the Lions Club, Optimist Club, Moose Lodge, and local parents and athletic teams volunteer to support festival operations, including parade routes and beverage sales. However, Resmann noted that actual member participation was low.
“We’re looking for new blood and are ready to hand this off to the next generation,” Resmann said. “If you want to make a difference in the community, we move quickly and give people opportunities to take ownership of projects.”
He added that the organization provides valuable leadership experience, networking opportunities, and work that hones various skills.
“If you want to boost your resume, this is the way to do it,” Resmann said. “It’s also a great way to make friends.”
Schweizerfest in downtown Highland featured games, carnival rides, live music, food and beverages, and a parade, all operated under the local Jaycees. This year’s theme was, “Schweizerfest in Space: 250 Years of Exploration.” (Brittany Blackwell photo)
Henry Giessenbier founded the Jaycees in 1920 in St. Louis, Missouri, as a men’s club. Now, it’s a widespread group open to all. The Highland Jaycees is part of the Illinois Jaycees, the U.S. Junior Chamber, and an affiliate of Junior Chamber International.
The annual event began in the late 1960s as a homecoming at Highland Square and was revitalized in the 1990s to celebrate the town’s Swiss-German heritage.
Founding member Len Schwarz shared memories at the festival Sunday, including the group’s first chili supper, building projects at Silver Lake Park, and selling fried fish at an early Schweizerfest.
Schweizerfest in downtown Highland featured games, carnival rides, live music, food and beverages, and a parade, all operated under the local Jaycees. This year’s theme was, “Schweizerfest in Space: 250 Years of Exploration.” (Brittany Blackwell photo)
“It will be the best time of your life,” said Schwarz, a local law enforcement retiree. “If I was successful, it was because of this group.” Schwarz, born in the 1940s, joined the group at age 22. His work with the group spanned across the region, with titles such as Jaycee of the Year, Regional V.P. and Life Member.
Gloria Brown shows a keychain of founding member Jim Brown, as wife to the former Jaycee, Sunday at Schweizerfest in Highland. (Brittany Blackwell photo)
Gloria Brown recalled the family-oriented nature of the early activities, with many members participating in parades, barn dances, and breakfasts. She is the wife of founding member Jim “Bear” Brown, former Jaycee president who also established Highland’s little league football.
Although women could not officially join at the time, Brown and Schwarz agreed they were instrumental to the group’s early success and longevity.
Highland Jaycee founding member Len Schwarz shares memories at Schweizerfest Sunday in Highland. (Brittany Blackwell photo)
The Jaycees were founded on a creed that, in part, states, “… service to humanity is the best work of life,” and this creed is the basis for the youth scholarships the not-for-profit group awards today.
Those interested in joining, volunteering, or donating may contact the Highland Jaycees via their Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].
Schweizerfest in downtown Highland featured games, carnival rides, live music, food and beverages, and a parade, all operated under the local Jaycees. This year’s theme was, “Schweizerfest in Space: 250 Years of Exploration.” (Brittany Blackwell photo)
