Shooting Festivities of the Sebastianers 1316: A Unique Tradition
Skilled shooter found among the clergy of Sebastian of 1316 church.
The vibrant Rhine meadow came alive with the festivities of the St. Sebastianus Shooting Club 1316, attracting a diverse crowd from carnivalists to politicians, and everyone in between. The invitees included figures from the city, economy, churches, law enforcement, press, institutions, and organizations.
The daybreak saw the guests gathering around the festival tent, their excitement palpable as they prepared to take part in the annual guest bird shooting event. One by one, they were called to shoot targets, with the wooden figure, adorned with head, wings, and tail, being the main attraction.
As the shooting began, the friendly competition unfolded, with the guests vying for precision, their attempts resulting in individual pins falling from the bird.
A tense moment arrived when the candidate count for the guest king title narrowed to three: Frank Heidkamp, city dean and shooter, Martin Flecken, president of the Neuss citizen shooting club, and Christian Feldbinder, director of public relations for the Volksbank Düsseldorf Neuss.
With the clock ticking, Heidkamp took aim and hit the target, marking a remarkable win, as the city dean and shooting pastor captured the guest king title. To the amusement of the Sebastianers of 1316, this was a premiere for a shooting pastor to become the guest king.
In the press group, the competition was equally intense, with Hans Onkelbach snatching the press king title quickly, moving past the preliminary work of Holger Stoldt.
Post their victories, the guest king and press king were presented with insignia, giant gingerbread hearts, cuddly teddy bears, and warm applause from the festival attendees. They then hopped aboard a Ferris wheel for a ride, reveling in their achievements.
The day closed with members of the various societies stepping up for their turn at the shooting stand, vying to be crowned the new regimental king or queen. The coronation would take place on Friday evening.
Every year, the Sebastianers 1316 promise an exciting spectacle, and this year was no exception. For those who missed the thrill, mark your calendars for the next gathering, where sportsmanship, camaraderie, and tradition come together in a unique blend.
The vibrant crowd excitedly prepared for the annual guest bird shooting event, a sports activity at the St. Sebastianus Shooting Club 1316's festivities. In the midst of the friendly competition, precision shots earned individual pins falling from the bird, making sports an essential part of the day's celebrations.
