The annual Moose Jaw Gun Show returns this weekend to the exhibition grounds, with one new feature giving visitors the chance to practice target shooting on an electronic — or digital — range.
The event — sponsored by the South Saskatchewan Wildlife Association (SSWA) — occurs on Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the convention centre.
General admission is $5, while children under 12 are free with an adult.
This event has been happening for decades and originally started at the Sportsman’s Centre, explained Don Park, SSWA president. There were about 60 tables that filled the space, but over time, that number — along with the number of volunteers — grew to more than 150, prompting the association to move to the exhibition grounds.
The convention centre is much better because it’s easier for vendors to unload, while it also ensures there is enough room for visitors, he continued. Last year, more than 1,600 people attended over the two days, with many coming from around Saskatchewan and even outside the province.
“I’m excited because there’s so much negative press about firearms (and related items),” Park stated. “It’s nice to see some energy, and it’s good for the general population to see that we’re still here and we’re still doing things safely.
“We often have people that have never seen or experienced this before (who) come into the gun show just to see what it’s all about. And that’s … good positive press.”
Park, in his 60s, began shooting around age six while in 4-H and has hunted ever since, while he has more recently moved into competitive shooting. He enjoys socializing with other gun owners almost as much as he enjoys shooting because they all have similar interests.
It’s important to hold events like the gun show because it gives the firearms and sports shooting communities a visible presence even in the face of continual federal restrictions, said Park. Gun owners are “tenacious” and have safely used their firearms for many years, even though legislation has made it progressively more difficult to own a gun.
“We jump through the hoops, we continue to be legal gun owners and we keep moving forwards,” he continued. “That’s important to show that we’re still here.”
There will be about 160 tables at this weekend’s show, with 90 per cent of vendors displaying or selling firearms, and while there are some vendors hawking quilts, fishing gear, crafts and baking, the event will demonstrate that firearms’ owners still exist and continue to enjoy their sport.
Park said he has barely slept because of how much organization there is, and when he does sleep, he dreams of issues he may have forgotten to address. Yet, because he’s helped organize for years, everything usually falls into place.
“When showtime comes, it’s the volunteers that make it work … ,” Park remarked. “Once the show is up and running, it just takes care of itself.”
The SSWA president encouraged everyone to attend, even people who may not be as interested in firearms. Besides baking and crafts, there will also be a concession so people can eat and socialize with vendors.
“It is maybe an eye-opener and education for the population to come in … . We’re proud of what we do as gun owners. We’re proud of being legal (and) we’re proud of being safe,” Park said.
The SSWA — in partnership with Biathlon Saskatchewan — will have a virtual range set up where people can use actual firearms in a simulated, digital experience, he added. There will also be a display featuring air shooting with pistols and rifles.
For more information, visit southsaskwildlifeassociation.com or contact 306-692-2775 or [email protected].
