The 53rd annual Oktoberfest was hosted by the Lewis-Pacific Swiss Society at Swiss Hall in Frances on Saturday, Oct. 1.
Featured at the annual event was an outdoor, traditional Swiss-style, nine-pin bowling tournament, a horseshoes tournament and a pinochle tournament.
The evening concluded with the coronation of a new Swiss Miss.
Grace Huber was crowned Swiss Miss for 2022 to 2023. Huber was raised in Frances, just across the road from the Swiss Park. She has attended every Schwingfest since she was born. Her great-grandmother, Hermina Muller, was born in Goldau, Switzerland. She immigrated to the United States, where she met Joseph Huber, who was born in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Huber’s grandparents are Geri and Adolph Huber and her parents are Steve and Brandi Huber.
Huber wore a vintage dirndl (a traditional Swiss dress) that was originally purchased in Switzerland by Lydia Taylor, and also worn by Gayle Russell, the very first Swiss Miss for the Lewis-Pacific Swiss Society.
Lydia Taylor is Huber’s grandpa Adolph’s first cousin. Her mom was Annue Rangle. She and great-grandma Hermina Huber were sisters.
Lewis-Pacific Swiss Society’s 53rd Oktoberfest Results
Women’s Bowling
First: Kristi Kaech
Second: Kim Porter
Third: Mendy Wilkeson
Men’s Bowling
First: Trevor Cook
Second: Dave Williams
Third: Jason Hodel
Booby Prize: Rob Gwerder
Horseshoes
First: Phil Kaech
Second: Paul Wilkeson
Third: Alex Muller
Women’s Steinholding
First: Brandi Huber
Men’s Steinholding:
First: Chad Boone
Pinochle
First: Sunny Schilter
Second: Linda Capps
Third: Dale Rutherford
