51st edition of the ‘Alternative Sjöttefees’ in Sittard
The weekend of September 6 and 7 will once again be dedicated to the 'Zittesj Alternative Sjöttefees', a unique and humorous parody of a real clay pigeon shooting festival.
On Sunday, the Agnetentuin (accessible via the side of the ZoWonen building on Engelenkampstraat) will once again be transformed into a shooting range. At 2:00 PM, a colourful and musical parade will march through the streets of Sittard, followed by the competition at 3:00 PM.
What is 'the Alternative'?
Chairman Tom Janssen on behalf of the organisation: "For true Sittard residents, the first weekend of September is always dedicated to 'the Alternative'. Outsiders often need an explanation of the idea behind the festival. After all, hundreds of adults will be spending the entire afternoon shooting at a polystyrene bird with an air rifle. Quite uncommon at first sight, indeed."
So, what does ‘the Alternative’ entail? "Well, in short: 22 associations and groups of friends shoot at a polystyrene bird mounted on a steel structure. The last shooter to hit the bird before it falls to the ground will automatically be crowned King or Queen of their association. The 22 Kings and Queens then shoot at a newly mounted bird, competing for the 51st Emperor's title of Sittard, a truly honorary title."
Last year, the Emperor's title went to Mike Geenen from an association called 'De Sjaalevaegesj.'
Parade through the centre of Sittard
Before the shooting event, the participating associations will march past a jury during a parade starting at 12:30 PM. After that, the participants will present themselves to the public in a colourful and musical parade.
Janssen: "The colourful, musical parade will line up on Rosmolenstraat at 2:00 PM, and then proceed via the Markt, Kloosterplein, Oude Markt, Begijnenhofstraat, and Limbrichterstraat, returning to the shooting range behind the Agnetenklooster. The ideal places to watch the parade are the sides of the streets or a terrace in the sunshine, of course."
Free and open to the public
Janssen: "Attending ‘the Alternative’ is free of charge and a perfect and enjoyable opportunity to catch a glimpse of 'genuine Sittard culture.' There will be food, drinks, entertainment for the kids, and live music by various bands. In short: come and see this!"
As an extra service, in cooperation with Buddy System Sittard-Geleen, local news is being translated for the many expats living in Sittard-Geleen and surroundings.
Als extra service worden, in samenwerking met Buddy System Sittard-Geleen, nieuwsberichten vertaald voor de vele expats in de gemeente.
