According to legend, Herr Gessler was an evil ruler in Switzerland and Austria in the 13th century. Gessler would leave his hat in the square, and as a symbol of authority, he would force all those who passed it to bow down. William Tell, who had been hunting in the mountains with his son when Gessler came into power, entered the square and did not bow down to the feathered hat. Herr Gessler became so enraged that he arrested Tell and his son. As punishment, Tell had to shoot an apple off his son’s head. Tell succeeded and then turned his bow on Gessler. Tell was able to overthrow Gessler and become the new ruler. Somehow Gessler was able to escape to Gaylord a few hundred years later.  He now tries to ruin Alpenfest each year by demanding quiet and that passersby bow down to his hat. However, the Alpine Village wins over the evil tyrant by singing

 the sweet lyrics of “Edelweiss.”

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