Heidenau cancels the 2023 club mile – too few participants!

Heidenau cancels the 2023 club mile – too few participants!

Heidenau has decided to cancel the popular club mile in 2023. Mayor Conny Oertel from the Heidenau citizens' initiative announced the news on June 20th. The reason for this decision: disappointingly few registrations. Of around 50 clubs that were contacted, only four responded, which is simply not enough for an event like this. This cancellation comes before the summer holidays to give the clubs enough time to inform their members and possibly prepare for the next events.

One of the main attractions of the club mile for eight years has been the presentation of local clubs that introduced themselves on Ernst-Thälmann-Straße. The event traditionally took place on the school entrance weekend together with the ABC party. Here the clubs were not only able to shine with their offerings, but also gain new members. But the last few years have been marked by challenges. There were already difficulties in 2022 when only seven groups took part in the event after the center association was dissolved. In 2024 there were at least twelve, but this number was considered insufficient by the city.

Reorientation in sight

A club conference is scheduled for autumn 2025 at which a new format for the Heidenau clubs will be discussed. New ideas and concepts could emerge in order to increase the number of participating clubs in the future. A new edition of the club mile for 2026 will also be on the agenda. The last few years have shown that a conceptual revision is necessary to increase the attractiveness of this event.

While the club mile is on the brink, Heidenau can rely on another traditional event. The Abc party for school starters will take place as usual, organized by the fire department and the municipal housing company. This celebration offers the new first years a wonderful opportunity to present themselves in the community and learn from the already established clubs.

Club events are changing

The planning and implementation of club events has become more complex in recent years. More than ever, it is important to clarify the official requirements and insurance coverage in advance. To increase participation, clubs should also adapt to new trends and technologies. Interactive formats and digital presence are crucial to appeal to younger audiences. The use of social media can not only increase the visibility of events, but also attract new sponsors and members.

The challenges that have characterized the Heidenau Club Mile in recent years are not isolated cases. They reflect a trend that many clubs are facing. The question remains as to how traditional events can succeed in modernizing and revitalizing themselves in order to strengthen the community and actively integrate many fellow citizens.

Interested readers may find further information on the topic and on planning club events in the articles by Saxon, A matter of honor and Volunteering24.