September 11, 2025, Press Release from the Swiss Community Historical Society:
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The public is invited to the Schumacher Homestead in conjunction with the Bluffton community annual Fall Festival. This year’s celebration takes place Saturday, September 27, at 8350 Bixel Road, between Bluffton and Pandora, from 10:00-3:00. The new Heritage Center will be open and will house various demonstrators and exhibits. All activities are free; donations are appreciated.
There will be even more demonstrators than in previous years.
- Cooper and tinsmith John and Annatina Law, father-daughter from Sauder Village—Workshop and Carriage House, adjacent to Workshop
- Blacksmith Cameron Haley--outside the Carriage House
- Johnny Appleseed re-enactor and storyteller Bill Grimes--will set up a camp and rove around also
- Trappers Jeff Hashbarger and Mark Brumbaugh —Heritage Center main room
- Bobbin lace maker Katholene Hofner—Fiber room of Heritage Center
- Penny rug maker Lois Wetherill--Fiber room of Heritage Center
- Wood carver Ron Bowerman--Heritage Center
- Chair caning Jon Hilty--Heritage Center
- Ancient Native Tools Paul Nusbaum--Heritage Center
- Artist Sharon Hammer Baker--Garden
Beginning at 11:00 food will be available. Volunteers will make popcorn over a fire, with soup also served. Visitors can enjoy bread, Swiss cheese, apple butter, and cider. Swiss cheese and cheddar will be for sale, some smoked on site in the old smokehouse.
Once more children of all ages may participate in games, corn shelling, and look at some farm animals. A straw maze will be set up, along with horse and wagon rides.
Music will be performed throughout the day.
10:00 One Voice
11:00 Bluffton High School Strings
12:00 Riley Creek Strummers
2:00 Maple Aires
Docents will be on hand as visitors tour the house, garden, summer kitchen, workshop, and barn.
All are encouraged to attend!
