The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Pennsylvania has been postponed. Protests against gun show organizer, Reed Exhibitions, is credited for the decision. Reed Exhibitions decided to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines from the largest gun show in the state. The move to ban legal firearms and ammunition from the Pennsylvania event prompted a week of protests.
The Pennsylvania gun show was expected to generate $44 million in travel and related purchases in the area, Livewire notes. A statement about the postponement of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor from Reed Exhibitions reads:
“It is unfortunate that in the current emotionally charged atmosphere his celebratory event has become overshadowed by a decision that directly affected a small percentage of more than 1,000 exhibits showcasing products and services for those interested in hunting and fishing.”
Reed Exhibitions has not yet decided if the largest gun show in Pennsylvania will be rescheduled, Patriot News notes. The event was originally slated to open at the Farm Show Complex on February 2.
The gun show organizers also noted that they spoke with customers before making the decision to postpone the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show. The company reportedly felt that an event designed to offer “family enjoyment” was not possible in the current atmosphere surrounding the show.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (based in Newtown, Connecticut) initiated discussions with Reed Exhibitions about the ban assault weapons from the gun show. The group noted in a release that conversations to get the event organizers to reverse their decision about “modern sporting rifles” reached an impasse. The foundation is not affiliated with the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show.
Reed Exhibitions managed the SHOT Show earlier this month in Last Vegas. The National Shooting Sports Foundation owns SHOT Show. Due to the Reed Exhibitions stance taken at the Pennsylvania gun show, the foundation is “considering all options” about future SHOT Show event management.
