Reveler in Mountain Climber Costume Photo: Pat Johns

Fasnacht in Helvetia (Randolph County)

A February revel ushering in the Lenten season, the festivities include an Old World masked ball. Homes are decorated with scary figures to frighten Old Man Winter away, and jovial celebrants march through the town in Mardi Gras fashion. The tiny community of Helvetia in mountainous Randolph County was settled in the 19th century by Swiss immigrants. Many of their direct descendants remain and preserve this and other Swiss traditions such as making cheese in the traditional fashion.

Originally submitted by: Robert E. Wise, Jr., Representative (2nd District).

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