Cattle show Heiden/Grub

In the fall, when the farmers return from the alpine pastures with their cows, cattle shows are held in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The most beautiful and high-performing cows are awarded prizes.

To the delight of the numerous spectators lining the lake promenade and gathered in the village, individual farmers parade in traditional alpine herding attire, that is, in the traditional order followed during the Alpine descent and in the appropriate traditional attire—yellow pants with a red sash or the Ausserrhoden workday costume. Upon entering the grounds, everyone passes under a wooden triumphal arch decorated with giant fir branches, flowers, and ribbons.

The cattle are tied to long stakes according to predetermined categories. The judging panel, consisting of experienced farmers, now begins its work. It evaluates the animals based on beauty and performance and ranks them accordingly. The most beautiful animals are adorned with a paper flower wreath. At many shows, young breeders are also allowed to participate and showcase their young goats.

Schedule:

The parade begins at 9:30 a.m.

A public guided tour of the livestock show takes place at 10:15 a.m. (registration required)

The awards ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m.

At 3:30 p.m., it’s “Abloo”: the animals are returned to their farms.

The evening wraps up at a local tavern with a review of the show and the awards ceremony.

This is followed by a cozy celebration with singing, dancing, and merrymaking. The cattle show, or the “Veechschau” as it’s called in the local dialect, is a big day for farmers every year and a major attraction for young and old alike.

Every year on the first Saturday in October, farmers from the municipalities of Heiden and Grub (AR) bring their livestock to Henry Dunant Square on Seeallee to select the most beautiful cows.

Where: Henry Dunant Square (right next to the Hotel Heiden)