Viehschau

Individual cattle shows are held in the various villages of Ausserrhoden, while in Innerrhoden the Cantonal Cattle Show takes place in Appenzell at the beginning of October.

Some farmers drive their herds singly to the Show, with all the trappings of the trek to the summer pastures, much to the joy of the spectators lining the streets. Others, however, drive their animals, cleaned and groomed, less ostentatiously to the meeting place. There they all pass into the arena through a wooden triumphal arch, decorated with fir branches, paper flowers and ribbons, cow bells and other herdsmen's paraphernalia, and very often a welcome sign with a garland around it. The cows are tied to long fences according to their prescribed categories. The jury, consisting of experienced farmers, now goes to work. They assess the animals by their beauty and performance and place them in order of rank. This grading of the cattle may go on into the afternoon, as the differences among the best breeding cows are very slight, making the judges' work very difficult. The animals adjudged most beautiful receive a garland of paper flowers fastened to their horns. In the evening, when the cattle have returned home to their stalls, the farmers and their families meet in an inn to discuss the Show and receive their prizes. The evening culminates in traditional rural festivities with singing, yodelling and dancing.

Place:	In all Appenzell villages.
Time:	From mid-September to mid-October.
Duration:	Morning to early afternoon.
Participants:	Members of the Cattle Breeding Co-operatives.