Anticipation runs high for Hans-Joachim and Queen Helga as their eagerly awaited occasion approaches.
In the heart of Kaarst, Germany, the St. Sebastianus Shooting Society has been a beacon of community spirit for over five centuries. Founded in 1450, this venerable institution is not only the oldest social network in the city but also one of the oldest in the entire country.
**1450 - Founding Year**: Established with a Christian ethos, the St. Sebastianus Shooting Society Kaarst was created to promote marksmanship and camaraderie among the local populace.
**Early Years**: The society's first years were marked by the organisation of shooting competitions and community events, which quickly became popular attractions in Kaarst.
**Membership Growth**: The society experienced significant growth during festivals and special events, with membership numbers swelling to attract participants from neighbouring towns.
**Highlighted Events**: One of the most memorable events in the society's history was a major festival in 1885, which included shooting competitions, traditional music, and local food, drawing thousands of attendees.
**Royal Involvement**: The society has been fortunate to have royal patronage, with a visit by a royal couple in the 1890s boosting its profile. The monarchs participated in a ceremonial shooting event, further cementing the society's status in the community.
**Modern Developments**: In recent years, the society has modernised its facilities, introducing new safety measures and training programs to ensure continued relevance and growth. The society also supports the Children's and Youth Hospice Rainbow Land, providing essential support and companionship to families whose children are terminally ill.
With 1,260 shooters in 2024, the society continues to thrive, with 41 junior shooters and 145 young shooters. The society is structured into various units, including the Pioneers, Sappeur Corps, Edelknaben Corps, Grenadier Corps, Jaeger Corps, Husaren Corps, Societies, and St. Hubertus Corps.
The annual celebration of the traditional shooting festival remains one of the most beautiful events of the year for many Kaarst citizens. The royal couple, S.M. Hans-Joachim I. (Dicken) and Queen Helga, have been ardent supporters of the society and the Children's and Youth Hospice Rainbow Land. Together with musicians, they bring a total of 1,475 people onto the streets for the festival, which includes a royal court, parades, and festivities in the large shooting tent.
Despite five previous unsuccessful attempts, S.M. Hans-Joachim I. (Dicken) remains committed to becoming shooting king, as he admitted during the shooting festival last year. The St. Sebastianus Shooting Society Kaarst continues to be a vital part of Kaarst's rich history and a testament to the power of community spirit.
The St. Sebastianus Shooting Society Kaarst, known for its commitment to marksmanship and community, has expanded its influence to include home-and-garden activities, crafting a family-oriented lifestyle within the heart of Kaarst. The society's annual celebration, a mix of shooting competitions, traditional music, and local food, draws families from neighboring towns, fostering a sense of shared experiences and unity.
