Ahrweiler celebrates two new shooting kings at the big festival!

Ahrweiler celebrates two new shooting kings at the big festival!

Things traditionally get colorful in Ahrweiler when the citizens come together to celebrate the shooting tradition. On Trinity Sunday, June 16, 2025, numerous citizens gathered in Quartzkaul to celebrate the determination of the new shooting kings. The backdrop was perfect: bright sunshine and the world-famous Ahrweiler Schützenfest, which takes place every three years, formed the backdrop for this special event. How blick-aktuell.de reported that the first bird fell at 3:45 p.m. after the 52nd shot.

This year, Dieter Zimmermann was appointed the new king of the St. Sebastianus Citizens' Rifle Society in Ahrweiler. The carpenter, who worked for the Kreissparkasse Ahrweiler for 46 years and served as a board member for almost 24 years, has been a member of the Royal Association of Citizens' Shooters since 2002 and has been active as treasurer since 2016. He replaces Jürgen Schmitz, who was honored with a celebratory tattoo the evening before. The first well-wisher was Citizens' Rifleman Captain Jürgen Knieps, who, together with other well-wishers such as Mayor Guido Orthen and Pastor Jörg Meyrer, accompanied the handover of the insignia - interim shield, chain and scepter - to Zimmermann. Zimmermann emphasized the honor and obligation associated with his new position.

The bachelors among themselves

Another highlight of the festival was the election of the bachelor shooting king. Niklas Eudenbach, a 27-year-old mechanical engineer, secured this title after the 58th shot at 4:26 p.m. Eudenbach has been active in the bachelor group since 2014 and previously made a name for himself as a flautist, platoon leader and club representative of the Ahrhöde Jonge. After his election, he handed over the office of ensign to Moritz Kelter, while numerous well-wishers, including bachelor rifleman Captain Niklas Sebastian and Mayor Orthen, also cheered him on.

Emotional moments marked the entry of the kings into the city, accompanied by the sounds of the traditional song “Daughter of Zion”. Such festive highlights are an integral part of shooting in Germany. This ranges from Christian brotherhoods in the Rhenish region to folkloristic traditions in the south, such as on unesco.de can be read. Shooting festivals are more than just celebrations; they promote community and cohesion and emphasize regional identity.

A look into the future

The countdown to the big shooting festival in Ahrweiler, which will take place from June 14th to 21st, 2025, is already running. The Citizens' Shooters not only have a record number of 734 members this year, but also have exciting programs planned for the festival week. King Jürgen Schmitz's last general meeting before his replacement discussed the importance of cohesion and responsibility in shooting. Together with Mayor Jürgen Knieps, the measures for a successful festival were discussed, including a historic drinking procession that is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. at the Niedertor bsg-aw.de reported.

Ahrweiler not only remains a city with an impressive history, but also a place where traditions are kept alive - and with a whole lot of festive spirit!