In 1964 the South Australian German Association Inc. returned to the tradition of the Schützenfest. Even before World War I Hahndorf had always been the favourite place for picnics, often taking place in conjunction with the Hahndorf Liederkranz – singing circle. Between the wars the Association's annual picnic had always been held there in conjunction with a shoot.
After an initial trial at the Gorge, organised largely by the "Bund der Bayern" (Bavarian Dancers), and then under the guiding hand of Ernie Salomon, the Association decided to run a full scale Schützenfest at Hahndorf for the whole South Australian community.
The Schützenfest became a South Australian tradition, enjoyed by the whole community sharing in the merriment and happy relaxing German atmosphere. Since 1972 it has begun with a procession through the streets of Adelaide, reviving a tradition first recorded in the city in 1858. Today the organisation of the Schützenfest is still one of the major activities undertaken by the Association although in 1994 the venue was successfully changed from Hahndorf to the West Parklands.
South Australia experienced from its inception in 1836, a large migration of Germans, predominantly of Lutheran religion. They mostly migrated after 1838. In 1853, the Shooting Society was established and in 1861, the Shooting Party was established. In 1865 the German Club closed. With its closure, a picnic was organised in St Peters, Adelaide. The main activity of the picnic was shooting. Some 5000 Adelaideans attended the picnic.
Prior to the outbreak of World War I, numerous Schützenfests were held around Adelaide areas by the German Association, such as in Walkerville, Lobethal and Barossa Valley.
The festival was reinstated after World War II. It was held for many years in Hahndorf but is now held in the western Parklands. It is still a highly popular festival with the attendance being around 20,000 and festivities involve German food, beverages, dances and music. A shooting competition also occurs.
The Marktplatz or “Market Place” is the central location to be for all your authentic German food and beverage. Over 40 stalls serving traditional German food and beverage, cultural heritage displays, children's entertainment, Strong Arm Beer Stein Lifting Competitions, and more, Schützenfest is a festival for the whole family.
Historical displays and German History in South Australia, new and old, is found in Deutsches Zentrum or The German Hub at the event. http://www.thegermanclub.com.au/about-us/SAADV-history.php#SchutzenfestTradition
See also
References
- The Official Schützenfest Website
- Emergency Management Australia Disaster Database report, covering heatstroke at Schützenfest
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