Schutzenfest

Editorial

Get ready for Adelaide to overflow with German Spaß (fun) for the annual Adelaide Schützenfest. The historic German festival is taking over West Terrace of Ellis Park for two days of shooting, eating, fencing, fun and stein. Schützenfest goes back to medieval times and has been celebrated in Adelaide since 1865 so come down to continue the tradition as the festival gets bigger and better with each year.

There will be shooting competitions, Bavarian dance groups, German bands and children's shows to entertain everyone in the family. As well as a bountiful supply of stein there will be all the best traditional German foods to satisfy an appetite built up by a day of such excitement. From cakes and sugar-dusted donuts, to potato pancakes, thick sausages and golden pretzels - the park will be filled with tasty treats. Buy your ticket on the door for $16 or receive a golden stein if you pre-purchase online through the official Schützenfest website www.schutzenfest.com.au .

Schützenfest is sponsored by the German community who emigrated on a large scale to South Australia from 1838, only two years after the foundation of the state as a British colony. One of the main features of the festival is competitive shooting because good marks­man­ship was essential in the defence of German medieval towns. The 2011 Schützenfest will host a range of shooting competitions for amateurs and athletes of the sport so whether it's your first time, or you're a seasoned shooter, take a stab at one of the many competitions during the festivities.

Edwina Storie, December 2010