The weekend of Sept. 13 to 14, Swiss Park in Newark will hold the annual Swiss Wrestling “Schwingfest” competition—the biggest event of the year for the local Aelpler Gruppe Swiss Club—marking the club’s 100th anniversary. Richard Steiner, event president for Schwingfest, says, “All people are welcome to come if they want to spend a nice day meeting people who are of Swiss background. We’re expecting a record number this year. Over 400 guests are what we’re planning for.”
According to a club press release, “The Aelpler Gruppe Swiss Club was founded in 1925 to preserve Swiss traditions, provide a social gathering place, and share the richness of Swiss culture with the community.”
Although the chalet-style Swiss Park building now sits across from NewPark Mall and 880 Freeway, it has its roots in the California dairy industry and Swiss immigrant culture. “Our club was there for a long time,” says Steiner. (The building itself marks 90 years in 2025.) “Before the freeway and before surrounding development. So it’s kind of a little remaining oasis here in the middle of development around it.”
Weekend activity starts Friday night with an “outsiders’ dance” to welcome out-of-state and overseas guests who have traveled to Newark for the celebration. The main event is Saturday’s competition. “Saturday is really the highlight of the weekend activities,” says Steiner. “We have a number of wrestlers who are coming directly from Switzerland to compete at this event as well as our local representatives.”
This year, 15 wrestlers will come from Switzerland. Competitors will vie for an intricately decorated championship bell presented at an award ceremony in the evening. Swiss food will be available for purchase throughout the day.
Steiner grew up in Southern California and his roots in California Swiss Clubs go back 50 years. “I participated in the Swiss wrestling…when I was a boy and the clubs from up north, including Aelpler Gruppe, would faithfully make the journey to Imperial Valley year after year.” He currently lives in the East Bay and has been with Aelpler Gruppe for about five years.
This year’s fest honors the history of Swiss immigrants with a special 200-page book, The History and Families of Aelpler Gruppe Swiss Club, compiled by club member Patricia Wipfli Schaffarczyk.
“Her relatives immigrated directly from Switzerland and are life members of the club themselves,” says Steiner. “So she has compiled a several hundred page history of the Swiss Club, people who founded the club and had continuous participation in it. The histories of the families and old photographs that are going to make this book really really interesting. That is something that has been prepared specifically for this 100 year event.”
The book is available for pre-order online and for purchase at the event for $35. Steiner says, “It was a labor of love for sure.”
Sunday finishes the weekend with a concert from bands playing traditional Swiss music: The Kapelle Grimm-Suter from Switzerland. The group, along with SF-based Alphorn Players and Schwyzerorgeli, will also be playing on Saturday. “The instruments [the groups] play are very traditional in terms of what they are,” says Steiner. “[Schwyzerorgeli] are accordions. There are Alphorns, which are 10-feet long. Where the sound comes from is about 10 feet away from where the musician blows into it.”
During the rest of the year, the club keeps up a steady calendar of dances, Jass (cards), and other social events. “The hair is getting a little grey, needless to say,” notes Steiner, “But it’s always a very good time for everyone involved.”
Looking toward the next 100 years for the club, he reflects, “The heartfelt connection starts to thin out with generations. My parents are Swiss immigrants so I have a deep root and deep heart for my cultural legacy. But my own sons were just not as interested as I am. They certainly know it’s important to me.”
He continues, “But moving into the 21st century, certainly I am adamant, and the people of my generation are very adamant, and aim as we have done successfully over the hundred years to really keep this tradition going. It means a lot to us, and it’s an all-volunteer organization. But there continues to be steady participation. And we encourage the younger generation to participate as well.”
In April 2025, Tri-City Voice writer Rob Klindt wrote more about the Aelpler Gruppe Swiss Club’s founding and activity over 100 years. tricityvoice.com/swiss-park-building-marks-90-years-in-newark/
100th Anniversary Celebration and Championship Schwingfest
Saturday, Sept. 13
10am Schwingfest
7pm dinner and dancing
Admission: $15; 16 and under free; free parking available onsite. Food and drink available for purchase.
Lunch and concert
Sunday, Sept. 14
11am Swiss Hall opens
12pm Concert
1:30 lunch
Tickets: $35 in advance, Venmo @Aelpler
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
aelplergruppe.com
