With history dating back to medieval times, the Schützenfest, or 'shooting festival', has long been celebrated in German towns.

In Adelaide the South Australian German Association has hosted the Schützenfest, the largest folk festival in the Southern Hemisphere, on an annual basis since 1964. The first Schüt­zen­fest was celebrated in Adelaide in 1865. Competitive shooting is one of the main features of the Schützenfest because good marks­man­ship was essential in the defence of medieval towns.

Adelaide's Bonython Park comes alive with the sounds of Oompah music, dancing from the Bavarian and Black Forrest regions of Germany, and also from neighbouring Austria.

With over 40 stalls serving traditional German food and beverage, cultural heritage displays, children's entertainment, Strong Arm Beer Stein Lifting Competitions, and more, Schützenfest is a festival for the whole family.

For more details about the Modern Schützenfest please see the press coverage 2005/2006/2007, and the Gallery.

Opening Hours: Shooting Range (Stall 32)

Friday January 11th 2008:

from 4pm to dusk

Saturday January 12th 2008:

from 12noon to 7.30pm
Shooting Prizes Presentation 8.25pm, Coopers stage

Coopers Lager Beer Stein Lifting Competition at the Open Air Stage (Stall 49)

Schützenfest wouldn't be complete without the traditional Coopers Lager Beer Stein Competition. Contenders lift a one litre Beer Stein at chest height as long as they can, but be warned, it's not as easy as it looks! The record at the Adelaide Schützenfest is 35 minutes for men, and 25 minutes for women.

If you think you have what it takes, simply come along to the Open Air Stage on Saturday January 12th 2008 at the times below.

•

1st run

2.05pm—2.35pm

•

2nd run

3.15pm—3.45pm

•

Finals

5.10pm—5.50pm

•

Prize Money:

AU$ 500 Men, AU$ 500 Women
Cash prizes donated by Coopers.

Co-ordinator

Christina McFarlane

SAADV Office

Karin Taylor

Webmaster

Dr Olaf Konstantin Krueger, Journalist, Publicist