The Schuetzenfest (shooting festival) is a traditional competitive shoot that was brought to the United States by German immigrants. The guns used in these shoots today are used only for target shooting. The targets are placed 200 yards away from shooting stands. The sights for all guns are open-sight and rules regarding safety, targets and ammunition are strictly adhered to and monitored by Bund (club) committees.
This is the 127th Schuetzenfest in Gillespie County history. The only years that were missed were 2020 due to COVID-19 and during World War II due to preservation of ammunition for the war effort.
The Schuetzenfest is the second-oldest community event in the county (bested only by the Gillespie County Fair) and attracts marksmen from all over with their long-barreled rimfire and centerfire rifles.
Gillespie County’s five shooting clubs take turns hosting the annual Schuetzenfest at one of three shooting ranges around Fredericksburg.
All ages of male and female shooters who like to demonstrate their abilities in the sport show up to participate in the annual event in hopes of winning one of the two kings’ crowns awarded to the top overall shooters in .22 rimfire and centerfire competitions.
Other shoots
The Benefit Shoot is rotated between the three clubs who have shooting ranges, namely Bear Creek, Tivydale and Grapetown. The funds from those shoots go toward the maintenance of the ranges.
This year’s event will be held April 23. Prizes are awarded and top shooters are recognized for rimfire and centerfire categories.
There is usually barbecue and/or hamburgers available for shooters and visitors to have lunch. Beer, soft drinks and water are available as per Texas state law.
The Schuetzenbund oversees the Vorfest, set for July 16, and the two-day Schuetzenfest. The host club sets which of the three ranges they have selected to use. There is usually barbecue or hamburgers available for shooters to have lunch. Beer, soft drinks and water are available as per Texas state law on shooting days.
The Vorfest is a one-day event held two weeks prior to the Bundes Schuetzenfest so shooters have the opportunity to shoot at the range where the Schuetzenfest will be held. Prizes are awarded to participants of a six-shot prize shoot and top honors are recognized for individuals in the rimfire and centerfire categories.
The Bundes Schuetzenfest is a two-day event which includes the parade of clubs and posting of team flags and the American flag while a live band plays on Saturday morning. Shooters participate in individual prize shooting of 10 shots (five on Saturday and five on Sunday) and pre-selected members from each club in both rimfire and centerfire have their individual scores tallied for team honors.
At the conclusion of the two-day event, there is a parade (while live music is played) of shooters led by the new Schuetzenkoenig/ Schuetzenkoenigen (shooting king/queen) followed by previous Koenigs and members of clubs in order of centerfire team scores.
The winners of the Rimfire Individual, Rimfire Teams, Centerfire Individual and Centerfire Teams are recognized and “Lebe Hoch” traditions are conducted.
There are recognitions of Living Hall of Fame and Deceased Hall of Fame honorees and additional recognitions as determined by the host club.
Comment
Comments