The Inter-Mountain photos by Shannon Bennett Campbell Many Swiss participants will be seen in native dress during the Helvetia Fair.

HELVETIA — Randolph County can boast of many long-standing events, but as residents dig deep into their memories, one that certainly takes a prize is the annual Helvetia Fair that found its origin in 1917.

More than 100 years later, that community remains steadfast in support of this event and will have this year’s festive activities Sept. 7-11 with the busiest day being Saturday, Sept. 10.

Fair participants are invited throughout this region to make the 45-minute drive from Elkins and not only enter contests, but spend all day Saturday enjoying their Alpine Parade, square dancing and native Swiss foods.

The Helvetia Community Hall invites garden produce, canned goods, and other fair entries on Wednesday, Sept. 6, and Thursday, Sept. 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. for competition, and exhibit on Friday, Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. till noon.

A number of crafters and vendors will be on hand Saturday at both the Star Band Hall and Swiss Roots, both favorite spots for those visiting Helvetia. Admission is free.

Many children will take their places in the Saturday parade line-up at 2 p.m.

The Meadow area will host a number of number of Saturday events throughout the day including folk dancing, Swiss Horn playing and several children’s games and activities including a tug-of-war.

Of course, all attending will want to view a very unique Alpine Parade scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. Hand-made floats will feature native Swiss costumes and displays of family collectibles saved from generations of Swiss in the area.

Eating is always popular and event organizers have arranged for several vendors to attend with their fine foods. Cayse’s Kitchen at the Community Hall will be open with chili, loaded nachos, pulled pork, hot dogs, and bratwurst. The famous Hutte Restaurant will also be open from noon to 6 p.m. to assure all those visiting will be well-fed.

Saturday evening fairgoers can look forward to the square dance at 8 p.m. This year, the Augusta Heritage Center will provide music and local callers will keep the dance floor flowing sometimes till almost midnight.

Planners continued their celebration even until Sunday, the 11th, as the Helvetia Mountain Run is scheduled for 9 a.m. with a Kid’s Run in the Meadow preceding at 8:45 a.m.

The annual Helvetia Fair will have Swiss flags flying at several day-long events.

The Zion Presbyterian Church is welcoming all village visitors to a 10 a.m. Sunday worship service to conclude the weekend festivities.

The “Old World” atmosphere of this occasion begs for a visit. If evening television news has zapped all you energy and you are looking for a place to take your mind a world away, drift back into the mountains to Helvetia and share customs brought there in the 1800’s.

It will be a day that refreshes and will probably cause a craving to return from year to year. It is a special event because it is so unique. I have never returned to Elkins from visiting there on Fair Weekend without a smile on my face or peace in my soul.

Be among the fair-goers who never miss a chance to hear the Alpine Horn or watch the costumed children folk-dancing. Mountain hollows will be filled with melodious notes and certainly the sounds of laughter.

Pottery pieces are among those created for the fair.