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European Marksmen´s Fair in Mondsee: A celebration of European solidarity
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Upper Austria. Governor Thomas Stelzer enthusiastic about the diversity of traditions
It was a festival of superlatives and a tangible European bond: the European Shooting Festival in Mondsee attracted around 45,000 visitors over the past four days, tens of thousands of whom were members of shooting clubs from a total of 12 nations. In addition to the shooting out of the new shooting king - Józef Karol Pluta from Poland (the shooting prince was Maksymilian Kuropka, also from Poland) - and the official handover to the European Shooting Festival organizer Croatia, many guests of honour made a rendezvous in Mondsee in midsummer temperatures.
First and foremost, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who was welcomed with gun salutes on Sunday: “It is impressive to see this diversity, this good atmosphere, the many traditions that have come together here peacefully and cheerfully. 'Unity in diversity' is the motto of the European Union. And the marksmen and women express this motto in a fantastic way. Because Europe lives from its many traditions; there is, I dare say, no other continent that is so diverse. I realize time and again - and also here today - that different traditions do not prevent us from achieving positive things together.”
The subsequent parade with 330 shooting clubs and bands from all over Europe was the crowning glory of the major event, which was planned and organized over a period of six years by the festival association, which was founded specifically for this purpose and consists of Mondseer and Oberwanger Prangerschützen.
Colourful program and numerous guests of honour
On Thursday, it was mainly the people of Mondseeland who came to enjoy traditional music and local customs at the folk music evening. On Friday, Upper Austria's Governor Thomas Stelzer visited the festival and referred to the deep-rooted folk culture in Upper Austria in his speech: “Our customs give structure to life and the annual cycle. Folk culture in Upper Austria, our traditions and our customs are pillars of our life together. The European Shooting Festival in Mondsee will be a highlight in the cultural year 2024, which is so rich in highlights. The festival is also a great sign of Europe-wide solidarity - more important than ever in the current times.”
Former provincial governor Josef Pühringer, who has always had close ties to Mondseeland, was among the many guests of honor alongside Upper Austrian provincial councillor Christine Haberlander, Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen, Charles-Louis Prince of Merode, Albert-Henri Pinz of Merdode, district governor Johannes Beer and Mondsee's mayor Josef Wendtner and the mayors of the Mondseeland municipalities.
Contribution: September 1, 2024
European Marksmen´s Fair in Mondsee: Federal President and Governor as guests at major international event
From August 29 to September 1, 2024, Mondsee will be transformed into a meeting place for European marksmen - and an international spectacle. Around 30,000 members of the EGS, the European Community of Historical Marksmen, will come to the Salzkammergut region from twelve European countries to compete in competitions and showcase their traditions. Shooting clubs from Austria, Bavaria and South Tyrol, 25 bands and other traditional associations will also be taking part
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen will be present at the ceremony on Sunday. The visit of Upper Austria's Governor Thomas Stelzer has been announced for Friday
In the large marquee, organized by experienced festival host Ludwig Kleinlehner, well-known Oktoberfest musicians will provide a great atmosphere
In addition to the competition for the European kingship, the European marksmen's meeting focuses on the shared experience of all marksmen in Europe: competitions in shooting, drumming and flag-waving strengthen the community. “The European Rifle Meeting is a great honor for us and for the region. We also want to make the essence of marksmen known to the public and cordially invite everyone who is not a marksman or club member to get to know us. It's all about Christian values and peaceful coexistence - we are looking forward to celebrating this in the midst of the Mondseeland backdrop,” says Robert Schwaighofer, Chairman of the Festverein Europaschützen 2024.
The attraction of the event is the big parade on Sunday, which Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen will watch from the VIP stand. The Upper Austrian governor Thomas Stelzer has already been announced for Friday. Governor Thomas Stelzer has already been announced for Friday.
Large marquee with well-known Oktoberfest musicians and Oktoberfest host
In addition to the program of the shooting clubs, the organizers are focusing on entertainment and a large musical program in the marquee on the Mondsee Seewiese. At the opening event, the folk music evening on Thursday, for example, traditional music groups will perform under the moderation of Richard Deutinger. The Oktoberfest bands “Die Kirchdorfer”, “Die Niederalmer” and “Die Edlseer” will provide entertainment from Friday to Sunday. Ludwig Kleinlehner, who has the necessary experience as an organizer of major events and a passionate festival host, is responsible for the catering.
Supporting program:
Visitors can get to know Austrian craftsmanship at the festival site on all days of the event: firecracker makers, hat makers, rake makers and harmonica makers present their crafts; products from local producers (hat jewelry, traditional costume fashions, leather goods and embroidery) are for sale. There will also be boat trips on Lake Mondsee during the Europaschützenfest.
IMPORTANT: 100 percent of the net proceeds from this major event will be donated to social causes.
Important information:
Contact person for interviews: Chairman Robert Schwaighofer, Tel. +43 (0)664 80390350, E-Mail: festverein(at)outlook.com
Coordination for press inquiries on site: Team of the Mondsee-Irrsee Tourist Board, Tel. +43 (0)6232 2270; E-Mail: info(at)mondsee.at
On-site press center: Tourismusverband Mondsee-Irrsee, Dr.-Franz-Müllerstraße 3 - right next to the festival grounds
Website European Marksmen´s Fair 2024:https://www.europaschuetzenfest.at/en/
The entire program: https://www.europaschuetzenfest.at/en/program
Information on catering and table reservations: https://www.europaschuetzenfest.at/en/eating-drinking
Admission/tickets for Thursday: https://ticketing.salzkammergut.at/de/buyingflow/tickets/10558/12256
Info about the EGS:www.e-g-s.eu/
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Robert Schwaighofer, Chairman of the festival association