Schützenfest Neusustrum (Samtgemeinde Lathen)

Neusustrum and Hümmling Shooting Culture

Neusustrum is a district of the municipality of Sustrum in the Samtgemeinde Lathen, located on the western edge of the Hümmling region. The municipality and its districts are characterized by a distinct club and festival culture, with roots reaching back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Neusustrum Schützenverein sees itself as the custodian and preserver of this tradition, organizing the annual Schützenfest as the central highlight of the village's annual cycle.

Three Days of Festivities in May

The 2026 Schützenfest spans three days, from Friday, May 8th, to Sunday, May 10th. Friday evening is dedicated to the festive opening with the assembly of the marksmen and the first evening celebration. Saturday features the grand Schützenball in the festival tent with dance music late into the night. Sunday is dedicated to the king's shoot, the proclamation of the new king, and a festive conclusion with the king's dinner and king's dance.

Tradition of the King's Shoot

During the king's shoot, marksmen compete for the honor of becoming king, who will represent the club for one year. Whoever shoots down the last splinter of the wooden bird is proclaimed king and chooses his queen. The proclamation is a solemn ceremony, followed with great interest by the entire village community. The reigning king wears the club's king's chain and represents the club at the festivals of friendly shooting clubs in the Samtgemeinde Lathen and the wider Hümmling area.

Embedded in the Festival Culture of Samtgemeinde Lathen

The Samtgemeinde Lathen, on the edge of the Hümmling, is home to numerous shooting clubs that celebrate their festivals throughout the season. With the Neusustrum Schützenfest on the second weekend in May, Sustrum joins the region's rich festival culture, which extends from May well into the summer and significantly shapes the sense of identity of the Emsland villages.