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Harburger Schützenfest Events Review

Intro

Yesterday as I was drinking my first cup of coffee I heard the sound of drums, flutes, and bells. It took me awhile to realize what it was. It was the parade kicking off the Harburger Schützenfest.

What is a Schützenverein?

In Hamburg-Harburg and many other towns in Germany men (and women) get together in their Schützen Vereinen aka Shooting Clubs and spend their weekends hunting and/or skeet shooting. Once a year the clubs in Hamburg-Harburg get together and have a big festival. There are four of these clubs in HH-Harburg

The Fest

The fest is where they crown the Schützenkönig aka The Shooting King (or queen/Königin). This person is determined by shooting a giant plywood bird, that looks like the one in the photo. Whoever blows the head off of this bird is king for the year. The king then buys drinks for all the Club members. Which I imagine gets rather expensive.

At the fest there are small rides for kids, food stands, and music. This year for example a very popular Hamburg band Lotto King Karl is performing. Oh and not to forget there is also fireworks. The fest last 8 days.

Where its at

The Harburger Schützenfest takes place in June every year at Schwarzenberg in Hamburg-Harburg.
Schwarzenberg is a park/ and festival grounds that is situated on Schwarzenberg Strasse in between HH-Harburg and HH-Heimfeld.

Außenmühlen Fest

This is a small fair/carnival that takes place next to the Außenmühlen Teich in Hamburg Harburg with lots of food and music typically takes place in mid-August.

In the past they have had some name acts like ATC, DJ Ötzi and Baccarra. While Americans might nore recognize the names they have all been top acts in Germany and Europe.

There is plenty for things for the children to like small carousels and face painting. If you get tired of the festivities head over to the boat house and rent a paddle boat (Tretboot) for a half hour or so.

At the web address below you may find more info on this little fest .

Website: http://www.harburg-online.com/