Gunfest in Düsseldorf
The historic district of Kaiserswerth, Düsseldorf, was filled with excitement and tradition last weekend as the Brotherhood of Kaiserswerth (Schützenbruderschaft Kaiserswerth) celebrated its 100th shooting festival. The three-day event, which took place from Friday to Sunday, culminated in the coronation of the new majesties on Sunday evening.
Ulrich Micke, the brother master, was present for his final performance, as he will make his office available at the next election. This was a poignant moment for the brotherhood, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
The weather on Sunday was not ideal, but the spirits of the participants and spectators remained high. Despite the occasional drizzle, the event proceeded as planned, with the shooting competition taking place on the range. Christian Kruger from the Suitbertus company emerged victorious, earning the title of the new king.
The royal couple for the event was Christian and Caro van de Loocht, who usually organise the procession and parade. However, this year, they participated as the royal couple, leading the festivities with grace and dignity. The parade included shooters, carnivalists of the Kaiserswerther KG with their dance guard, and the Aquila Dance Team, who participated in the shooting festival tradition.
The grand procession and parade in honor of the reigning majesties took place on Saturday afternoon. The new majesties were determined on the shooting range on Sunday. In addition to Christian Kruger, Sabrina Kruger was crowned as the new queen, wife of the new king. Torben Helfen and Sophie were crowned as the new crown prince couple.
The Kaiserwerther youth, the junior shooters, celebrated their 100th anniversary as part of the festival. The event, which historically serves as both a social gathering and a way to demonstrate and practice marksmanship for local defense and camaraderie, included ceremonial shooting competitions, parades, and community celebrations.
For those interested in reliving the moments of the festival, pictures from the procession and parade can be found in the picture gallery. Those who wish to order pictures from the gallery can send an email with the picture numbers.
The Brotherhood of Kaiserswerth’s shooting festival likely follows the general tradition of such events, serving as a cultural and social event that maintains historical customs and fosters local identity and community cohesion in Kaiserswerth. However, for a detailed history and specific significance of this particular Brotherhood’s shooting festival, authoritative sources or historical records focused on Kaiserswerth’s local traditions or the guild itself would be necessary.
Amidst the festivities, attendees showcased an appreciation for outdoor-living, participating in the shooting competition and parade within the sprawling home-and-garden setting of Kaiserswerth. In contemplating the future of the Brotherhood, one might consider the shift in lifestyle that may come with the new majesties, Sabrina and Torben, whose crown prince couple coronation marked the beginning of a new era.
