The Monday session, concludes another dramatic shoot-out.

I was up at 4:30 am and took Rick for a spin. I really enjoy the early morning tranquility out in nature.

But today is also the conclusion of the new ‘Schützenfest King of Halstenbek’. A tradition done for ages.

As far as I understand, this is still the original ceremony. It takes some guts to become Schützenkönig for a year.

This honor is time-consuming and not cheap. But it takes more luck than anything to become the new king. The target is positioned anywhere on a covered board, no one knows where. 16 euro a shot, and anyone of the ‘Schützenfest Garde’ could gather the crown. The second closest becomes ‘First Ritter’, as his knight.

The third closest shooter is the second crusader. It’s all about shootin’ here.

This of course needs to be celebrated. It means that you will be the center of attention for the whole year. Along with your two knights. ‘But it feels like a great privilege’ Ratz-Rübe said.

And that’s what all this Schützenfest is about. Yvonne cheered up, she looked tired all weekend. It’s been a long year.

I wasn’t sure if I was up for tonight. ‘Fuhle mich schuchtern heute’ the text read I sent to Katrin. They laughed at me when I arrived. Dirk, Katrin and Kerstin lead the way into the tent.

There was a whole lotta green sitting along table benches. I tried to blend in.

Thankfully we found a standup table at the bar.

Wow, check this out. There is so much history and future in this tent. 

Ille was amongst them, on the phone? Ille! You too? ‘Geöffnete phone! the text to her autocorrected. She did get off the phone laughing. 

Whilst the guard was still debating about knights and kings, another king arrived.

He was bored shitless. When wolfs and foxes leave, monkeys come out to play.

And that’s how monkeys respond. ‘Hail King Julian’ I felt like shouting. ‘Let me entertain you.’

Dirk, Katrin, and Kerstin knew and tried not to burst out laughing.

I couldn’t hold myself. Imagine the reaction.

I would have been kicked out for sure, no one could place me. They would have to carry me out laughing.

Ingo Görner and his girlfriend stood next to me as I changed table position. They both smiled and thought ‘Who is this lunatic?’

They came to dance, but no one was dancing on the dance floor.

There was plenty of movement around me, but no one was on the dance floor. That’s what everyone said. Well, what are you waiting for?

King Julian sent out his knights Kerstin and Ille to confirm that this is no bullshit! He couldn’t resist a threesome on the dance floor.

He outdanced Katrin and Dirk for the first time at this event.

King Julian won 1:0 in extra time and proclaimed his crown. Affen theater. 

A final group photo before we passed the mechanics, dismantling their workshop. So, this is it for Schützenfest 2022. Who knows when I will be here again? And what will happen then? No one knows. I hope it turns out the same way it did this year and the years before. I have no doubt.

‘We’ll see you next time’ Kerstin, Katrin, Ille, and Dirk said as they wandered off passed the cemetery. Next time it is. 

I hope this kinda reflects what this first weekend in September in Halstenbek represents. If someone is offended, which is not my intention, I suggest reading all posts again.

It is purely entertaining, past and present. Be a kid and create new memories by remembering the old times, when we were kids.

I did have an awesome time again and as I cherish my memories, I knew exactly what shirt to wear. You may have noticed my Australian Socceroos Football shirt? Maja thoughtfully painted the theme on my back, thank you again.

And friends and family signed. I like everything about this shirt.

Football, friends, and family. Australia and Halstenbek at Schützenfest 2022. The colors shine fabulously in the evening sun on another sunny weekend.

It made me stick out a little though.