Düsseldorf introduces a new urban monarch armed with firearms.
In a quirky Düsseldorf tradition dating back to 1316, the city's new leaders are chosen not through election, but through a rousing game of shooting. As the sun sets on the Sebastianer Shooting Festival, the city's young shooters gather to determine their king. This year, the contest was tough—the bird (their target) put up quite a fight. Despite two wings and a standing body, the young shooters had to call it quits to avoid an endless game.
With the young shooters' king's plate already reduced, the stage was set for Michael Plähn from Unterrath to step up and clean the plate. His fellow shooter and former regimental king in Unterrath, Bodo Hentsch, cheered loudly in approval, pumped with pride for his buddy's victory.
With the Unterrath enthusiasts celebrating their new majors in a frenzy, it's easy to overlook Leon Bandelow from the Garath shooting club. He had just brought down the plate of the city young shooting king. Amidst the chaos, Leon rushed to his team for a celebratory hug.
Given the unpredictable weather, the formal crowning of the city's new majors was held inside the festival hall instead of the usual outdoor setting on the festival grounds. As Bodo Hentsch handed his insignia to his successor, Michael Plähn, the new king was accompanied by his sister Marion throughout his reign.
The IGDS board also appreciated the outgoing city young shooting king, Max Ax, and bestowed his king's chain upon Leon Bandelow.
For the coming year, this unique duo will be invited to myriad activities and events hosted by IGDS members. The cherry on top? The IGDS Ball of the Kings, or the Young Shooters' Ball, awaits them.
Despite the lack of historical data on the Sebastianer Shooting Festival's influence on Düsseldorf's politics, it's evident that such unusual events play significant roles in shaping community identity and, indirectly, local politics by fostering community engagement and civic pride.
- The victory of Leon Bandelow from the Garath shooting club, as he brought down the plate of the city young shooting king, signifies his interest in sports, given the context of the shooting festival.
- In the upcoming year, as the IGDS Ball of the Kings, or the Young Shooters' Ball, awaits them, both Michael Plähn and his sister Marion, the new king and queen, will have ample opportunities to participate in various sports-related events, fostering their continued engagement in sports.
