Schallamüh! — Children's Carnival Schalksmühle

Schallamüh — When the Sauerland becomes Cologne for a Day

Carnival isn't a major event in the Sauerland region — the northern part of Westphalia isn't one of the classic carnival areas. However, Schalksmühle has been an exception for years. With the Schallamüh! children's carnival, the small municipality in the Märkischer Kreis has established its own format, which brings hundreds of children, parents, and grandparents together every year.

Program — From the Town Hall to the Gymnasium

Schallamüh runs as a half-day carnival with a focus on children:

• 2:30 PM — Gathering at Rathausplatz: The children of Schalksmühle gather in costume in the square in front of the town hall. The Hülscheider Schützen marching band plays, and actor and entertainer Marco Köhler creates a lively atmosphere. Local businesses and Mayor Christian Breddermann throw 'Kamelle' (sweets) — the first candy shower of the afternoon
• 3:00 PM — Parade: The parade starts from Rathausplatz and proceeds through Bahnhofstraße and ends in Mühlenstraße. It is personally accompanied by the mayor, who moderates the procession. The route is short (approx. 1 km) and child-friendly; road closures will be in effect from 2:15 PM to 4 PM
• 4:00 PM — Children's Carnival Party in the Jahnturnhalle: Here follows the second act — a free carnival party with music, dancing, games, snacks, and drinks, organized by the Schalksmühler TV (Sports Club)

Character — Sauerland with a Kiss

Schallamüh! is not a 'big' carnival with Rose Monday parades on the scale of Cologne or Düsseldorf. It is a warm, family-friendly neighborhood festival, where children are the focus and parents can relax and participate. This is precisely what makes it charming — and ensures that even many carnival skeptics from the surrounding Sauerland area come to the festival on the day itself.

Schalksmühle — Industrial Municipality in the Märkischer Kreis

Schalksmühle, with approx. 10,700 inhabitants, is located in the southwestern Märkischer Kreis between Hagen and Lüdenscheid. The municipality is a traditional industrial and screw-making town (home to several medium-sized manufacturers), while also being nestled in the mountains of the northern Sauerland. The City Marketing uses Schallamüh! to liven up the city center in the winter month of February and to showcase the municipality's family-friendly profile.

Organizers and Participants

The organizer is the Stadtmarketing Schalksmühle e.V. (City Marketing Association). Participating partners: local businesses (candy donors), Schalksmühler TV (hall and party), Hülscheider Schützen marching band (music), Marco Köhler (stage moderation), Mayor Christian Breddermann (parade moderation). Registrations for floats and club groups via [email protected].