One of New Glarus’ oldest traditions returns later this month as the Wilhelm Tell Festival takes over the community Aug. 21-23, marking the second year since organizers moved the celebration away from its longtime Labor Day weekend dates.

The centerpiece will again be two performances of the Wilhelm Tell pageant at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, at the wooded Wilhelm Tell Grounds, W5199 County Highway W, about a mile east of New Glarus. Gates open at 12 p.m. for those wanting to snatch the best seats. Also, lunch will be available on site.  Visa, Master Card, and Tap to Pay at the Food Hut are accepted this year, as well as cash.

This year’s performances will feature a new sound system for the Wilhelm Tell Play, an upgrade intended to improve the audience experience at the large outdoor theater.

The festival traces its roots to 1938, when Edwin Barlow helped bring Friedrich Schiller’s story of Swiss independence to New Glarus. The production has since become a community undertaking involving generations of local residents.