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Gun show draws crowds despite weather

The B&T Estevan Gun Show that was held at the Wylie-Mitchell building on March 24 and 25 had every single table filled, despite a snowstorm that descended on the southeast corner of the province the day before the show.
Gun show
Grandfather James MacDonald goes shopping with his 11-year-old grandson Jaxon Burback at the B&T Estevan Gun Show.

The B&T Estevan Gun Show that was held at the Wylie-Mitchell building on March 24 and 25 had every single table filled, despite a snowstorm that descended on the southeast corner of the province the day before the show.

The show, between its two days, saw approximately 400 people come to the Wylie Mitchell building to check out what the vendors had to offer.

The gun show raised just under $9,000 for the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, and the official numbers on how much money was raised won’t be known until mid-April.

The weather was a concern for the gun show’s two organizers, Lionel Bender and Kevin Thompson, but they said it was fortunate that things turned out as they did.

“The weather was a real concern for me and Kevin. We were worried about the storm deterring some vendors but that did not happen. I saw a lot of stuff leaving and I think my vendors have been apart of a great show,” said Bender.

Bender mentioned that the vendors told him there were no tire-kickers at the event, and everyone who showed up came willing to purchase. Some of the customers even came back twice.

Bender also said he might have his dream come true next year of being able to rent out Affinity Place, which has the capacity to hold all the vendors that want to come out to the show. He has stated previously that some vendors can’t come because there is no room for them. 

“I had a meeting with the mayor and the city manager and we are working on a deal to get into Affinity Place for next year,” said Bender.

Bender noted the show serves as a fundraiser each year. The proceeds from next year’s show will also go to a local cause.

“They all will be able to apply for funding and we will put it out to a vote and the one with the most amount of votes will have claim to the proceeds,” said Bender.