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A memorable farewell: Sonneberg's market manager says goodbye!
Sonneberg says goodbye to market manager Gabriele Langbein-Meise after 21 years of traditional bird shooting.
A memorable farewell: Sonneberg's market manager says goodbye!
Nine days full of joy, traditional customs and communal celebrations at the Sonneberg Schützenhausplatz came to an end last Sunday. The 181st Sonneberg bird shooting event not only brought locals and visitors together, but also impressed with a colorful program. Highlights were the breathtaking fireworks display on Friday, the celebratory shooting parade for “Day of the Franconians” and numerous activities by the Privilegierte Schützengesellschaft Schießhaus 1851 Sonneberg e.V. The event offered exciting moments, such as bird shooting and a fun shooting event, as well as a lively marquee with live music, refreshing drinks and offers from the showmen. Everyone involved, including the fire department for securing the fireworks, security service, tent crew and musicians, were particularly recognized by the organizers. A big thank you also went to the numerous showmen and visitors who left their mark on the festival, as sonneberg.de reports.
The farewell to Gabriele Langbein-Meise, the market manager of Sonneberg, who was present at the bird shooting for the last time after 21 years of organizing and looking after showmen and traders, was particularly emotional. In the festival tent on Saturday afternoon, René Warkus and Andreas Müller thanked Langbein-Meise on behalf of all dealers and showmen for their decades of dedication and passion. The outgoing market manager spoke openly about her feelings and said that she would miss the event very much; for her it was “like my child”. She will retire on March 1, 2026 and will no longer accompany the 182nd edition of the bird shooting event [insuedthueringen.de].
Cultural significance of the festival
Cultural festivals like the Sonneberg bird shooting are not just a happy get-together, but also a deep-rooted tradition that creates community and identity. Such events provide valuable insight into the history, customs and traditions of the region, and promote social cohesion among the people. Festivals like this are an expression of origin, faith and culture, which the participants keep alive through regional clothing and decorated places. The diversity of festivals in Germany ranges from large folk festivals to small traditional celebrations and brings people of different ages and backgrounds together. Bird shooting is not only a fun event, but also shapes people's sense of belonging, explains kultur-und-natur.com.
Overall, the Sonneberg bird shooting shows how important it is to preserve and pass on traditions. The festival atmosphere invites everyone to become part of this special community and hold on to the traditions that bind us together. So we're looking forward to the next festivals and how they will develop in the future - possibly with a focus on sustainability and technological advances.