Schützenfest Ellenstedt — 75th Anniversary

75 Years of the St. Heinrich Ellenstedt Marksmen's Association

The St. Heinrich Ellenstedt Marksmen's Association (Schützenbruderschaft) was founded in 1951 — in the early post-war period — and has since been one of the central community and traditional phenomena of the Ellenstedt district of Goldenstedt. With its 75th anniversary in 2026, the association celebrates three-quarters of a century of uninterrupted club work — an occasion that will be honored with special highlights.

St. Heinrich as Patron Saint

The patron saint of the association is Saint Henry II (973–1024), the last Ottonian Emperor and one of the few secular rulers of the Middle Ages to be canonized. This unusual choice of patron distinguishes the association from the classic Hubertus or Sebastian clubs in the region and gives it a distinct profile.

Anniversary Parade on Sunday at 2 PM

The parade on Sunday, July 19th, starting at 2 PM is the social centerpiece of the festival. In anniversary years, the parade is traditionally much longer and more magnificent than in regular years — affiliated brotherhoods from the entire Oldenburger Münsterland region send delegations, music ensembles and marching bands fill the route with sound, and the local population lines the streets.

Schützenplatz Am Schützenplatz 6b

The Schützenplatz at Am Schützenplatz 6b forms the spatial center of the festival. The club grounds provide a festival marquee, shooting range, club rooms, and parking spaces for the numerous affiliated clubs arriving. For the anniversary, the area will be equipped with special flags and decorations.