Fricke Wins 154th Schutzenfest

Kyle Fricke was crowned the 2026 Schützenkönig in Round Top Sunday at the 154th celebration of Schutzenfest.

Fricke was awarded his crown of cedar (placed around his cowboy hat) and awarded his gold medal after beating the other Rifle Hall members in the shooting contest.

The contest involves shooting .22 caliber rifles with open sites at a target that is 168 feet away.

Also part of Sunday’s festivities were a ceremonial keg tapping, dance and meal in the Rifle Hall.

On Saturday, the women’s and kids’ shooting events were held with Connor Fricke winning the kids contest and Morgan Limmer winning the women’s contest.

The Round Top Schützen Verein (shooting society) was formed in 1873 by the town’s German heritage inhabitants. It’s purpose was stated as “the support and encouragement of innocent out-door sports, such as bicycle riding, target and trap shooting, open air athletics, games, dancing, and others of a like character.” It was modeled after the traditional “protective societies” that safeguarded small communities in Germany.