Schützenfest Alme (Preußisch Oldendorf)

Schützenfest on Whitsun Weekend

The Schützenfest in Alme — a district of Preußisch Oldendorf in the northern Minden-Lübbecke district — is one of the regular events over the Whitsun weekend. In 2026, the festival runs from Saturday, May 23, to Tuesday, May 26. The venue is the Alme community hall. The tradition dates back to the Catholic Schützenbruderschaft St. Sebastian & St. Ludgerus, which organizes the festival every year.

Maispaß Canceled — Schützenfest Remains

A special feature in 2026: The annual town festival "Maispaß" in Preußisch Oldendorf has been canceled due to financial difficulties — as the Neue Westfälische reported in detail. This means one of the region's best-known town festivals will not take place in 2026. The Schützenfest in Alme, however, remains — supported by the local association, with lower financial risks than a town festival. Anyone wanting to celebrate in Preußisch Oldendorf this Whitsun week will find their program in Alme.

Four Days of Festivities in the Community Hall

The Whitsun Schützenfest follows the established Sauerland-East Westphalian choreography: Festival opening on Saturday, bird shooting and proclamation of the king on Sunday, parade and king's dance on Whit Monday, festival conclusion on Tuesday. The Alme community hall provides the indoor logistics, while tent extensions and catering stands are set up outside.

St. Sebastian & St. Ludgerus Association

The Schützenbruderschaft St. Sebastian & St. Ludgerus Alme preserves the Catholic marksmen's tradition of northern East Westphalia. Like many associations in the Catholic Münsterland and Sauerland regions, it combines religious patronage, social commitment, and festival culture. In addition to the Schützenfest, there are other events throughout the year — such as the May devotions at Entenpfuhl before the festival and a geocaching event by the rural women immediately afterward.

Alme as a Village at the Springs

Alme is referred to as the "village at the springs" — an allusion to its location at the Alme spring area, where the Alme stream emerges from the ground. The district has belonged to the town of Preußisch Oldendorf since 1973 and has around 1,000 inhabitants. With the Schützenfest and several clubs, the small community maintains its own identity within the town in the northern Minden-Lübbecke region.