Most people realize countries have unique costumes, but do not realize that areas within countries often have distinct costumes as well. The costumes modeled at the show are authentic, except for the Usherette costumes. Every detail, from material to buttons to embroidery, is authentic. Costumes from several different Swiss Cantons are modeled. We learned that making authentic costumes is harder than one thinks. It is much more than just picking up a dress pattern and some material. The materials and embellishments all come directly from Switzerland. These costumes are highly guarded by the Swiss and not just anyone can have an authentic costume, it must be approved.

The costumes are privately owned and most often worn by their owner or a relative of the owner. As the models present their costumes, a description of them is told – where they come from, special details, etc. The Ethnic Fashion Show is educational as well as entertaining.

The Usherette costumes were created by Edwin Barlow and Julie Heirli in 1938 for the first Tell Play. Barlow was the originator of the Tell Drama in New Glarus and Heirli was a recognized authority of Swiss Costumes. These costumes are Barlow’s rendition of 13th Century Canton trachten – 13th Century being the time of the Tell story.

The first Ethnic Fashion Show was produced in 1997 for the 60th Tell Festival and has continued annually since then. A few new costumes are added each year to add variety and expand the show.

Because of this, Wilhelm Tell is the Swiss national hero. The story, of how Tell helped Switzerland gain its independence, was told by the famous 18th century German playwright Friedrich Schiller. Since his story depicts history as well as legend, the drama of Wilhelm Tell is as much a living part of a Swiss today as it was in the years past. In New Glarus, the performance of Tell's story - actually two performances, with two casts used to do one in English and one in German - is more than a nod toward ethnic legend and history. The only other place this drama is performed in German is in Switzerland.

A Labor Day weekend tradition since 1938, more than 200 local volunteers join to bring Friedrich Schiller's dramatic story of Swiss independence to life. Staged in a beautiful outdoor setting with intricate costumes and a lively cast that includes frisky goats, stubborn cows and whinnying horses. Participating in the play is a rite of passage handed down among family members of New Glarus locals.

In addition to the play which is composed of two acts, there is additional entertainment provided. Girls dressed up in traditional Swiss costumes (the Tell Usherettes) hand out programs and help the visitors find their seats. Before the beginning of the play local children play a few songs with choir bells.

During intermission, the Swiss Miss Dancers and the Tell Usherette both perform Swiss dances. A concession stand is set up selling hot dogs, bratwurst, pretzels and beer made at the local New Glarus Brewery.

A traditional lantern parade kicks off the weekend on Friday evening. On Saturday, after the English performance of the play, a yodeling contest is held on the Swiss Church lawn in downtown New Glarus. At the Alpine Festival, held Saturday evening, visitors to New Glarus enjoy traditional Swiss entertainment presented by local groups in ethnic costumes. Swiss Camping is set up at the Tell Grounds on Saturday night. "Go to sleep in New Glarus and wake up in Switzerland" is how the event is billed. Meet new people around the campfire while roasting Swiss sausages and making Swiss ‘smores with real Swiss chocolate. Sunday morning awake to alphorns and feast on a classic Swiss breakfast.

After breakfast, pack up your tent and head into town to view the Ethnic Fashion Show. After learning about various Swiss costumes, wander over to the Outdoor Art Fair in the Village Park. Several streets are blocked off to make room for the Street Dance which is a free event that takes place on Sunday night.