Vendors To Boycott PA Eastern Sports show
By: Jim Madalinsky
Updated: January 23, 2013
The Eastern Sport and Outdoors Show in Harrisburg claims to be one of the largest in the nation. A number of vendors from Central PA travel to the show each year, but some of those businesses won't be making the trip this time as more than 200 vendors plan on boycotting the annual event.
Last year 12-hundred vendors attended the show in Harrisburg, but this year that number is dropping rapidly.
"While it was certainly a big decision we could not rectify participating in something like that with an organization that is not supporting our 2nd Ammendment rights" Ben Bode of
Trop Gun Shop says.
Reed Exhibitions, a British company in charge of the event, recently announced a ban on assault rifles and extended clips for this years show.
That decision has led to a mass boycott from firearm dealers and other vendors.
According to the website mynortheastoutdoors.com, more than 230 dealers, 35 speakers, and numerous supporters have pulled out from the show which was scheduled to start on February 2nd.
The policy change also means some local people won't be making the trip either.
I feel that none of it is illegal and there's no reason why they should be stopping the vendors from displaying. Thad Cunningham of Duncansville says.
Cunningham tries to get to the outdoors show every year, but says he won't be attending this time to show his support for the boycotting companies.
"I think it's a good thing for the sportsman community in general to come together even if they're not firearm related," Cunningham says.
Reed Exhibitions has yet to comment on the boycott. Our news partner in Harrisburg has talked with the group and we'll pass along any statement they make when it becomes available. To see a list of all the vendors, speakers and sponsors planning on boycotting the show visit www.mynortheastoutdoors.com.
Last year 12-hundred vendors attended the show in Harrisburg, but this year that number is dropping rapidly.
"While it was certainly a big decision we could not rectify participating in something like that with an organization that is not supporting our 2nd Ammendment rights" Ben Bode of
Trop Gun Shop says.
Reed Exhibitions, a British company in charge of the event, recently announced a ban on assault rifles and extended clips for this years show.
That decision has led to a mass boycott from firearm dealers and other vendors.
According to the website mynortheastoutdoors.com, more than 230 dealers, 35 speakers, and numerous supporters have pulled out from the show which was scheduled to start on February 2nd.
The policy change also means some local people won't be making the trip either.
I feel that none of it is illegal and there's no reason why they should be stopping the vendors from displaying. Thad Cunningham of Duncansville says.
Cunningham tries to get to the outdoors show every year, but says he won't be attending this time to show his support for the boycotting companies.
"I think it's a good thing for the sportsman community in general to come together even if they're not firearm related," Cunningham says.
Reed Exhibitions has yet to comment on the boycott. Our news partner in Harrisburg has talked with the group and we'll pass along any statement they make when it becomes available. To see a list of all the vendors, speakers and sponsors planning on boycotting the show visit www.mynortheastoutdoors.com.
