It's crazy...it's wacky...it's FASNACHT...and fun for the WHOLE FAMILY!

A long-time tradition in Switzerland, Fasnacht is Switzerland's version of Mardi Gras. The Swiss city/state of Basel is known throughout Switzerland and Europe for its Fasnacht celebration, a carnival-like event that starts at 4 a.m. the Monday after Ash Wednesday and ends at 4 a.m. the following Thursday. Costumes and masks of all kinds are a key feature of the event, along with food, fun and music.

Fun for the whole family, Turner Hall's Fasnacht will feature a scaled-down version of the Swiss event, featuring a masquerade dance, a lantern processional, and foods associated with Fasnacht. The Mike McIntyre Band of Rockford, m.c.'d by Del Heins, will provide fun dance music for the evening.

Come in a costume or with a mask on and receive a $2 coupon good towards food purchase that evening.

(The picture at the right is from a 2004 Fasnacht in Switzerland, featuring Swiss cousins of one of the members of the Monroe Swiss Singers!)

This event is part of Turner Hall's on-going Swiss Heritage Series, and kicks off the 2006 season. More information on Turner Hall's Swiss Heritage Series is available here.