The Swiss-Appalachian community of Helvetia honors its agricultural heritage at the annual Helvetia Community Fair on Saturday, September 12. The day includes craft and agricultural exhibits, a parade, Swiss folk dancing, flag-swinging, Alphorn playing, yodeling, games, arts and crafts, and a square dance.
Organizers advise visitors to fill the gas tank before heading out: the nearest station is in Pickens, and it closes at 5 p.m. They also caution against relying on GPS, which they say “is not always a good option as it may take you on a wild goose chase.” Cell service turns spotty past the West Virginia Wildlife Center coming from Buckhannon, or past Mill Creek coming from Elkins, and then drops entirely.