Swiss Wine Festival Sets New Attendance Record

By Mike Perleberg

Crowds flood the food strip at the 42nd Annual Swiss Wine Festival in Vevay Saturday, August 24.

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(Vevay, Ind.) – Wine tasting, live music, rides, food, and plenty more activities again attracted a record crowd to the Swiss Wine Festival.

The 42nd annual, four-day festival in Vevay attracted a record 22,470 people to Paul Ogle Riverfront Park. The figure is a two percent increase – or 439 more people – over the festival’s attendance in 2012, the previous record.

“We would like to thank all those who helped in any way to make this year’s festival another one for the record books. The challenge now is to maintain the overall festival appeal and we hope to continue to have big name entertainment on Friday night with the continued support from Switzerland County Tourism,” Works said.

According to festival organizers, since Thursday evening was free admission, the attendance was estimated to be a new record of 1,503. The boost was credited to an increase in amusement ride ticket sales and food booth sales.

Friday’s total attendance was 6,391 compared to 7,266 last year. This represents a 12 percent decrease over 2012. An estimated 4,000-plus people attended the Tracy Lawrence concert, made possible thanks to financial support from the Switzerland County Tourism Commission.

Saturday’s attendance was up 9.8 percent over 2012. The total number who enjoyed the festivities on Saturday was 11,575 compared to 10,544 last year.

Attendance increased Sunday as well with 3,001 wine festival-goers, up six percent from last year.

Works said follow up and planning meetings are already underway for next year’s Swiss Wine Festival. It will be held August 21-24, 2014 and could include a new carnival ride vendor with new a bigger rides.

LINKS:

Try Over 100 Varieties At Swiss Wine Festival