Reed Exhibitions “postpones” Harrisburg Show
As noted in a comment to the previous blog post, Reed Exhibitions has just updated its web site with a statement (which you can read HERE) noting that it has postponed this year’s show.
As I wrote yesterday, Reed took a political stance. And when you do that, the price can be substantial.
In his comment announcing the move, reader RP wrote: “What a shame for the businesses & economy of Central PA.” He added more context in his follow-up comment.
This show’s economic impact was wide and deep, and went well beyond the vendors. It will be interesting to continue following the aftermath.
January 24, 2013 - 11:21 AM
I wouldn’t have been attending this gun show in PA anyway, but from what I have been reading, it would have been a pretty significant boost to that areas economy, as it is each year.
I don’t necessarily agree with all that I’ve read on this, but this company, as MT mentioned, took a political stand & they stuck by it, all the way to cancelling the event. I can respect that more that saying one thing & doing another.
Who knows, maybe this will open the door for some other aspiring organization to take it over.
I have not attended the show in PA, had no plans to attend this year either. It seems odd that so many people and outdoor related companies would be so stubborn as to force the postponement or closure of a hunting and fishing related show, one of the few avenue’s they depend on to sell themselves and their products to the public.
There is an old saying “Be careful what you wish for, you may just get it.”
Estimates put the direct impact to the local economy at $44 million dollars. Reed Exhibitions made the decision and announcement banning the display or sale of “assault type” weapons and “high” capacity magazines on January 15, the show was to have begun on February 2. Kudos to the vendors that pulled out of the expo!
In a statement on their website, Reed Exhibition wrote, “Our original decision not to include certain products in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show this year was made in order to preserve the event’s historical focus on the hunting and fishing traditions enjoyed by American families,”
I wonder if he was going to ban the sale of stun guns? Pepper Spray? Beef Jerkey? Or any number of items sold at these shows that have nothing directly to do with hunting?
$44 million dollars–I feel sorry for the local economy. I hope the local hotels, restaurants, etc. file a class action suit against Reed Exhibitions.
It was a 100-round drum that jammed in Aurora. Thank goodness it jammed. It will be interesting to see what size clips get banned or attempted to be banned. I am betting we will definitely see an attempt to ban 30-round clips, but could we see something down in the 10-round range?
Maybe this will serve as a warning to others, that would pull the same sort of “political stunt”. It is good to see the traditional hunters, target shooters, waterfowl hunters, CCW folk, and just general “gun folks” stick together on this. It an effective warning to those in power, some of whom ARE up for reelection to see just how serious people are about their civil liberties. Also I would like to state publicly, that in my eyes, and WALLET, Smith & Wesson is hear by forgiven for its ill fated agreement it signed with the Clinton administration, back many MANY years ago. I am looking forward to purchasing one of their fine revolvers as soon as I find “the right one”! Ruger also gets forgiven for their “waffling” on the 1993 AW ban, where they signed on with the “banners” so the Mini 14 rifle would not be restricted. I would also like to note that the 1994 AW ban, is what made me stand up and take notice what some where trying to do to our civil liberties in this area, and the current hatred directed against gun owners is creating a whole slew of new activists. I personally have showed 4, how to get involved. Long term, this is a very good thing and will help assure a robust defense of our 2nd Amendment rights as we ‘older guard” pass on. People are getting far more organized on this issue than I have ever seen, and over on the anti side,for the most part it still is the same actors, just yelling instead of talking low. Also starting to notice signs of desperation over their as well…Very good…
Full list of the DF bill to ban specifically names by maker over 150 firearms as well as any magazine over 10 rounds. Read it here.
http://www.guns.com/2013/01/24/feinstein-introduces-2013-assault-weapons-ban-dry-up-supply-of-these-weapons-video/
Scroll down below the vid for the list. Note that it includes a host of pistols as well as shotguns. Personally, I don’t like most of those pistols either but the ban simply removes them from lawful owners to be retained by criminals. And can you imagine the “black market” in this stuff if the ban passes?
On another matter, maybe she should introduce something like they are doing in India for women to protect themselves. Knives and chilli powder. Great solution.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/9825938/Indian-women-given-kitchen-knives-and-chilli-powder-to-protect-against-rape.html
Personally, I find the consequences of the promoters cancellation due to the objections over their decision to impose their own ban as a truely delightful situation and something to consider for all enterprises going forward. Make your own laws suffer the consequences. I have a friend in Harrisburg. He is telling me about a local movement now to have everyone go out this weekend and support the local economy by making purchases of guns and ammo. Of course, there is not much of either to be found on the shelves of retailers but it’s a good thought. And what is available is really gotten expensive. A box of simple old 38 specials at Gander, $39.99. But better get it while you can. 9mm….none available. 45ACP…$85 for 100 where available.
Is it true that this show has been cancelled completely? If so, that is a terrible shame, and of course, the Anti’s win. I am VERY disappointed in hearing that some of the “big names” jumped ship. I understand their stance, but they have let ALOT of people down. If we don’t support what the show was about, which is the OUTDOORS, then we will completely lose ourselves. What a shame that will be.