Gunshots echoed through Cismar, with more than a thousand being discharged.
### A Celebration of Community Spirit: The Cismar Volunteer Fire Department Summer Festival
The picturesque village of Cismar, nestled in the heart of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, recently hosted its annual summer festival, organised by the dedicated members of the Cismar Volunteer Fire Department. This community gathering, held over a series of days during the summer months, aims to bring together residents and visitors in a celebration of local traditions, camaraderie, and fundraising for the fire department.
#### Festival Highlights
The festival offers a wide array of activities and attractions designed to cater to all ages. Visitors can indulge in delicious local specialties such as bratwurst, schnitzel, and a variety of beverages, including beer and non-alcoholic options. Live music and entertainment provide a lively backdrop, with performances by local bands, folk music, and even the occasional DJ set.
For the younger attendees, there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained, including games, face painting, bouncy castles, and crafts. Firefighter demonstrations showcasing equipment and rescue techniques are always popular, providing a fascinating insight into the world of firefighting.
#### The Heart of the Festival: The Pigeon Shooting Event
The pigeon shooting event is a traditional and much-anticipated feature of the festival. Participants compete by shooting clay pigeons launched into the air using air rifles or shotguns. This test of accuracy and skill attracts a large number of shooters, with a total of 207 participants taking part in this year's event.
The competition is fiercely contested, and the winners are awarded trophies, medals, or other prizes by the fire department. This year, the first, second, and third place winners were respectively *[Winner’s Name]*, *[Winner’s Name]*, and *[Winner’s Name]*.
#### Crowning Moments
The festival also includes the crowning of the youth queen, Paula Emrich, and the children's queen, Elisabeth Dörr. These titles are awarded based on shooting accuracy; the children's king is determined by shooting at a folding bird, while the youth king competes by shooting at the wooden bird at the air rifle stand.
#### The Wooden Bird: Heiko the First
The wooden bird named "Heiko the First" is a stunning work of art, artistically painted and decorated by Tim and Malte Venneberg. This year's bird featured two heads, colourful feathers, and the Schleswig-Holstein coat of arms on its chest.
#### Honouring Long-Standing Support
Marita Bergeest was honoured with a certificate for her decades of support at all the village festivals. Her dedication and commitment to the community were recognised and celebrated during the festival.
#### Joining the Fun
The festival kicked off at the Klosterkrug with a traditional Kommers, setting the tone for a weekend of fun and celebration. The community fire department's music corps played a tune for the residents at the Magnoliengarten senior home, adding to the festive atmosphere.
A procession marched through the village, including a stop at the Magnoliengarten senior home, where participants were invited for a drink. The festival concluded with Manfred Stoll being crowned the king of the Klosterdorf for a year, following his decisive shot on his 1,185th attempt.
For those interested in attending or participating in next year's festival, check the Cismar Volunteer Fire Department's official website or local community boards for the festival date and schedule. Pre-registration might be required for the pigeon shooting event, and appropriate gear should be brought if participating in shooting competitions or other sporting activities. Family and friends are welcome to attend all public events.
During the festival, alongside the various attractions, a pigeon shooting event took place, attracting 207 participants and showcasing a demonstration of sportsmanship and skill. The festival also included competitions for the children's and youth kings and queens, demonstrating a unique blend of local traditions and sports.
