Rain-soaked Gathering: Celebratory Gunfire Persists in Derendorf
The Derendorf Tambour Corps kicked off an early 6 am wake-up call for the royal house, lieutenants, and board on Sunday, marking the start of a special day at the Derendorf marksmen's festival. This cherished annual event, steeped in tradition, is a testament to community spirit and compassion, particularly focusing on children facing serious illnesses.
The origins of this day date back to the Derendorf marksmen’s club's desire to bring joy and hope to young patients at the University Hospital Düsseldorf’s pediatric oncology ward. Each year, during the festival, the Andreas Hofer Society, a local cultural and historical association involved in community service, plays a significant role. They select a child from the pediatric oncology station and grant their wish as part of the princess day celebrations, allowing them to experience a day as a cherished princess or prince.
This initiative fosters a connection between the festival, the community, and families dealing with childhood cancer, emphasizing empathy and support. Through this collaboration, the Andreas Hofer Society helps create memorable moments of happiness and encouragement for the children and their families.
Commander Daniel Becker took measures to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, shortening the route and moving the parade indoors due to hot temperatures exceeding 35 degrees. Despite the change, the parade presented a magnificent sight, even amidst the bad weather at the start.
The regiment's royal couple, King Frank Tups, was visibly moved by the honor guard formed by the Derendorf Tambour Corps. Dirk Schiffer and Sabine from the St. Paulus Society were cheered on as the new regiment's royal couple. Victoria Holzhauser from the Ladies' Rider Corps became the new junior marksmen queen, with Jan-Luca Frinken by her side.
Nele (Amazonencorps) was crowned student king, Simon was the squire, Charlotte (Amazonencorps) was the squire queen, and Julius (Ges. Hermann Loens) was the page king. A special children's program was held on Saturday, including children's crossbow shooting, a children's participatory circus, and magic.
The marksmen's board, District Mayor Annette Klinke, and the children with their supervisors from the Eulerstraße Children's Aid Center were present at the Kirmes opening. The current monarchs demonstrated their social commitment by forgoing gifts during their reign and instead requesting donations and selling a king's coin.
The festival also extended its reach to the Düsseldorf Sterntaler association, who received a check for €11,586 from the donations collected during the parade. A donation is appreciated for ordering images from the gallery, which contains more impressions of the parade and festival.
The Derendorf marksmen's festival concluded on Monday evening with their coronation, grand tattoo, and fireworks. Traditional strawberry cake was served at the festival tent after the parade, providing a sweet end to a day filled with community spirit, compassion, and celebration.
The Andreas Hofer Society, in their quest to spread joy, grants a cherished wish to a child from the pediatric oncology ward during the Derendorf marksmen's festival, creating a memory of a magical 'princess day' experience. This annual event, rooted in tradition, is more than just a festival—it's a celebration of community spirit, empathy, and support, extending its impact to families dealing with childhood cancer and various charitable organizations such as the Düsseldorf Sterntaler association.
