What started as a two show, one year performance of the Heidi play, held in conjunction with New Glarus’ 120th Anniversary in 1965, turned into something much bigger by the time the second performance was completed and the cast did their curtain call.

Members of New Glarus’ 120th Anniversary Committee thought it would be a good idea to have at least one event for children during the gala three-day weekend marking the founding of New Glarus. The resulting full house crowds for the two-night performance quickly gave the Heidi group the inspiration to continue the Heidi play on a yearly b...