Events
Fasnacht
304-924-6435, (http://helvetiawv.com/eve...). the swiss version of mardi gras is held the last saturday before lent, in late february. food including fondue and beverages, open mic music, a buffet at the hutte restaurant, mask making, and a candlelight parade in the evening with costume judging and a square dance. at midnight, an effigy of old man winter is cut down and burned. admission free.
West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival
The West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival, 304-924-6288, (http://www.smilingcountry...). Held in nearby Pickens during the third Saturday in March, to celebrate the sugarmaking traditions of eastern West Virginia. The festival features a pancake dinner; artists; woodcarving, soapmaking and basket weaving demonstrations; a wood-chopping exhibition; a muzzle-loading contest; arts and crafts; a quilt show; square dancing; and live entertainment.
Helvetia Ramp Dinner
The Helvetia Ramp Dinner (http://helvetiawv.com/Eve...) is held in late April; Pickens also holds a ramp dinner the previous week. Volunteers prepare over 60 bushels of ramps, 300 pounds of ham, 60 pounds of beans, 480 pounds of potatoes, and 200 pounds of cabbage. The meal includes fried and fresh ramps, beans, ham, fried potatoes, applesauce, cornbread, drink, and dessert.
Helvetia Community Fair
The Helvetia Community Fair (http://helvetiawv.com/Eve...), sometimes called the Swiss Festival, is held the second Saturday in September. It features an Alpine parade with traditional dress and vehicles, a Swiss flag toss, the blowing of the Alpenhorn, Swiss music, costumes, songs and folk dances, square dancing, and farm stands selling fresh produce, homemade preserves, baked goods, cheeses and crafts. Funds are raised during the annual chicken supper on the third Saturday in August; dinner is $8, square dancing $5. Admission to the fair is free.
Helvetia Day
Held on the saturday closest to october 20th, celebrates the arrival of the original swiss settlers in the valley. features a historic walk following the settlers' original path, a folk dance workshop and square dancing. admission to the dance is $5, all other events free.
Helvetia isn't a place for activity so much as inactivity; go walking, hiking, fishing, browsing the shops, or just relax in the shade with a good book. Music and dancing are popular cultural traditions, with square dancing being a particular favorite.