In 1950, a group of friends and relatives formed the Edelweiss Stars. Their love of Swiss yodeling and music brought them together. They learned songs of their ancestors, and soon their hobby became an long lasting group. The original group consisted of sisters Katherine (Katie) Zentner Ingwell-Elmer and Marion (Mert) Zentner Streiff, Dorothea Wiemer Ingwell and Margaret Widmer Wild, Clayton Streiff, Mert's husband, and Ernest (Red) Zentner, uncle to Katie and Mert. They filled out the group with the only native born Swiss, Paul Grossenbacher. The group always had fun with introductions tying the family connections together. Rudy Burkhalter accompanied the group for many years and eventually Roger Bright accompanied them. In 1970, the Widmer sisters left the group and Betty Vetterli joined as accompanist. A few years later, Martha Bernet joined and the group came to be known as the Edelweiss Stars with Betty and Martha.

Their name came from the alpine flower "Edelweiss" that grows in the Swiss Alps, and "Stars" because they all belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star. Their first performance was at a Grand Chapter Session of Eastern Star in Milwaukee, held at the Milwaukee County Auditorium. This was the beginning of the beloved Edelweiss Stars.

They entertained at the local Swiss Festivals in New Glarus and Monroe. They travelled annually to Sugar Creek Ohio, the "Little Switzerland of Ohio". Perhaps one of their most famous appearances was an episode of Walt Disney segment of the Mickey Mouse Club "Adventures in Dairyland". Red Zentner and Clayton Streiff had small roles as farm hands on a local dairy farm. The Edelweiss Stars were featured entertainment at the farewell picnic for Annette and Bobby, the Mouseketeers who had visited and learned about dairy farming in Wisconsin. The popular song "Teach Me How to Yodel" was written by Rudy Burkhalter for this program. Many audiences in the Midwest enjoyed years of the Edelweiss Stars.

As preparation began for the 175th Celebration of the settlement of New Glarus, the idea was formed to create a tribute group to the Edelweiss Stars. Nancy Streiff spent many hours arranging music in four part with assistance from David Austin. Music was obtained from Katie Elmer and stories were shared by Martha Bernet, the two surviving members. Rehearsals began in January of 2020, but soon came to an end due to the Covid virus pandemic. A smaller group came back together in summer of 2021 to renew rehearsals and prepare for the 175+1. The tribute group identified parts and roles of the original Edelweiss Stars and have enjoyed the camaraderie much as the original group must have. The current group consists of Nancy Streiff (Katie Elmer's part), Kaye Gmur (Mert Streiff), Tim Pauli (Red Zenter's tenor and yodeling), Ed Brand (Clayton Streiff), Kim Bright (Paul Grossenbacher). Beth Luchsinger fills in various parts. All but Beth are members of the Yodlerclub New Glarus. Beth filled in with the original Edelweiss Stars for a summer in the 1980s.

Remember the wonderful music of the Edelweiss Stars as the tribute group does their very best to recreate some of their most beloved songs. The Tribute to the Edelweiss Group will perform about 8:00 p.m., as part of the 175+1 Celebration.