Over time, as you develop a network of local (Swiss) friends, you begin to realize that the "usual" Swiss public event has a fairly standard pattern of elements. These are - Sausages, Beer, Schnapps, Coffee, long tables and lots & lots of friendly conversation. It doesn't seem to make any difference on the size of event.
For
example - I was recently at a small event linked to a local farmer selling
some Christmas Trees, all these elements were there, tables laid out in a
barn, sausages on the grill, Cafe Fertig (Coffee fortified with Schnapps),
Beer, and lots and lots of friendly conversation.
The Baden Advent Market had all these elements - with a slight twist - together with an outdoor Ice-rink. The slight twist was an opportunity to cook your own sausage over an open wood fire whilst having a conversation with friends and strangers, drinking what ever you want etc.
Later in the year (2007) will be the Badenfahrt. This is an event held once every five years so it's big. It's sponsored by all the major employers in the area and will run from 17th - 27th August. It comprises of Concerts, Art exhibitions, Street shows, A special show ground based event, One-off events from local social organizations, Culinary events etc. It will also involve all of the elements listed in the first paragraph. When I was asking about it recently at the tourist office it was explained to me that if I bought an Official "Plakett" (a badge) - which helps contribute to the costs of the event - for Sfr38, it would allow me free transport to and from Baden on both local and national busses during the period as well as free access to all the events. It would be worth it for the free bus rides alone over the ten days of the event. Exactly what is happening is still to be decided but the web-site (all in German) will keep me informed. Try it if you feel your German is up to it.
