Schützenfest St. Johannes Spelle

One of the largest shooting clubs in the Emsland

The St. Johannes Schützenverein Spelle e.V. is among the largest and most active shooting clubs in southern Emsland. With numerous members, a broadly structured club organization, and a rich club life, the association significantly shapes Spelle's village events.

St. Johannes — Patron Saint with Tradition

The club bears the name of Saint John — usually John the Baptist or John the Evangelist. Both are widely spread patron saints in the Catholic shooting tradition, and the patron saint's festival is a fixed part of the program.

Ascension Day Weekend

The festival traditionally takes place on the Ascension Day weekend — thus from Wednesday, May 13th, to Friday, May 15th, 2026. With the public holiday on Thursday, the extended weekend provides the framework for a packed festival program.

Two Royal Couples — A Spelle Specialty

The Spelle shooters have the unique tradition of having two royal couples: a senior royal couple and a junior royal couple. This constellation is not found in all clubs — it connects the older generation of shooters with the young members and ensures a special club dynamic.

New Royal Couples 2026

• Senior Royal Couple: Guido and Stefanie Sandmann
• Junior Royal Couple: Elias Müer and Christina Roling

Both royal couples were newly proclaimed in the 2026 shoots and represent the club for the current club year.

Classic Festival Schedule

• Wednesday 13.05.: Festival kickoff with picking up the royals from their homes, march to the festival grounds, opening evening
• Thursday 14.05. (Ascension Day): Festival church service, bird shooting contest, royal dinner, grand parade, proclamation of the royals, dance evening
• Friday 15.05.: Family afternoon, further shooting competitions, morning pint (Frühschoppen), closing evening

Spelle — Emsland's Shooting Heart

Spelle is one of the largest municipalities in southern Emsland and has a particularly pronounced Schützenfest culture. The annual Schützenfest of the St. Johannes club is the highlight of the club year and a social event of great importance for the entire community.