Highland Celebrates 175th Jubilee

Online, September 13, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The City of Highland, Illinois will celebrate 175 years of history and growth September 28 through the 30 at Lindendale Park. Special events over the three-day period mark the anniversary of this thriving community founded on the spirit and work ethic of the first Swiss and German settlers.

Friday, September 28, 7:30 p.m. - 12:00 midnight
• The celebration begins with the Wednesday Night Dance reunion. This weekly tradition was suspended more than 40 years ago but drew many young adults from all over the region. As a special guest, the original house band, The Jorrells, will be reuniting and preforming Friday night.

Saturday, September 29, 12:00, noon - 8:00 p.m.
( Musical entertainment ends at 12:00 midnight)
• On Saturday there will be a Welcome Ceremony to introduce and recognize a number of visiting guests and dignitaries. Visitors will include the Mayor and citizens from Highland's sister city, Sursee, Switzerland; Chicago Swiss Vice-Consul; editor of the Swiss-American Historical Society Review, and the Director of Swiss Diplomats from Zurich. The ceremony will include Posting the Colors of the U.S. flag, singing both the United States and Swiss national anthems, and Sempacher Lied.

Sunday, September 30, 10:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday opens at 10:00 am with a Catholic Mass said in German followed by an ecumenical service, both in the Helvetia Sharpshooters Ballroom. Activities and exhibits, the children's area and entertainment begin at 11:00 am and end at 5:00 p.m.

Throughout the weekend there will be entertainment and activities for all ages:

- A Parade
- Milestones Walk
- Car shows
- German and Swiss contemporary entertainment
- Children's activities
- German Mass
- German food and beer
- Guest Performers include the Deutschmeister Brass Band, Larry Haller Duo, Buffalo Road, The Jorrells, Whiskey Dixon and many more.

All activities are free and open to the public as this historical town comes together to celebrate the rich and vibrant history that has brought the town to where it is today. For more information please visit www.highlandcelebrates.com.

About Highland Illinois
Highland, Illinois is one of the oldest Swiss settlements in the United States. It was founded in 1831 by Swiss pioneers from Sursee, Switzerland. General Joseph Semple convinced the settlers the area resembled his native homeland of Scotland. Located 29 miles east of St. Louis, today Highland is home to nearly 10,000 residents. Highland is home to many big industries and it has a long history of being a progressive municipality, successfully blending industry within a small town atmosphere.