June 15, 1999, Chicago, Illinois. -- By the fall of 1999, Chicagoans are sure to know much more about the bovine beauties displayed throughout the city, as well as about the land from which the concept came -- Switzerland.

The Consulate General of Switzerland is pleased to formally announce "Swiss Week -- Highlights of Switzerland", a festival that will bring the best of Switzerland to Daley Plaza and other venues in Chicago between September 9-19, 1999. Civic and cultural events will actually begin in early summer, with the culmination of activities to end in early fall.

Daley Plaza will be transformed into a pristine Swiss Village when it hosts a six-day series of events intended to increase public awareness of Swiss culture, products and services. From September 13-18, this village will accommodate approximately 25 exhibits by individual companies and will include a mobile bakery, food tasting, arts and crafts, tourism exhibits and even a plastic cow roaming the Swiss Village waiting to be milked by spectators.

"We are pleased to have been able to assist the City of Chicago in bringing the Zurich cow event to this city," notes Eduard Jaun, Council General of Switzerland in Chicago. "We are equally delighted to provide Chicagoans the opportunity to experience more of our multi-faceted and fascinating country, including its tourist attractions for every season, its thriving business community, and its culinary and performing arts."

Swiss Week will offer something for everyone with its sweeping cultural scope. A special celebration will announce the new Chicago-Lucerne Sister Cities relationship. This festive week of cultural events will include a gala dinner, a culinary festival at prominent hotels, as well as entertainers and performing artists from Switzerland.

Swiss Week - Highlights of Switzerland" is organized by Swiss Week, Ltd., a not for profit organization under the patronage of the Consul General of Switzerland in Chicago.

For more information about Swiss Week, call (312) 915-0019 or visit the Swiss Week website at www.swissweek.com.