Switzerland in the Spotlight at Washington’s Top Spring Event

Washington, DC, May 2, 2005 – Switzerland will be this year’s honorary country for the 66th annual Flower Mart on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral May 6 and 7. The family-centered outdoor festival that raises money for the gardens of the National Cathedral attracts twenty thousand visitors and celebrates a different country each year. Switzerland is the only country to have been selected twice for this honor in the last decade, having served in the role the last time in 1996. The wife of Switzerland’s Ambassador to the United States, Mrs. Susanne Blickenstorfer, is serving as honorary chairwoman and will open this year’s event.

“Susanne and I are delighted by the opportunity to present a glimpse of both traditional and modern Switzerland at Washington’s premiere springtime festival,” commented Ambassador Christian Blickenstorfer. “The National Cathedral neighborhood is our home away from home since the Embassy and the residence have been located there for over fifty years, and we are looking forward to greeting friends from the neighborhood as well as meeting new friends from the greater Washington, D.C. area.”

Along with the regular offerings of the Flower Mart, the Swiss Embassy will have an official tent and host a number of attractions featuring Swiss culture, music, art performances, food, entertainment, and flowers. Specific Swiss attractions include a cheese making demonstration with a fondue tasting out of a giant fondue pot, the performance artists of the renowned Swiss “Teatro Dimitri,” short films and lectures on Switzerland, and a chance to win over 200 exciting prizes at the Embassy Tent. There are also activities geared toward children including a craft area and a special cow waiting to be milked. In addition, a variety of plants, herbs, flowers, antiques and other crafts will be on display and for sale at the Flower Mart, along with a climbing wall, moon bounce, and antique carousel for the enjoyment of children of all ages.