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FeedEastern Sports and Outdoors Show in Harrisburg is canceled
Harrisburg — Reed Expositions, the owner and promoter of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show here – one of the oldest and largest events of its kind – canceled the 2013 event on Jan. 24.
The show, which was scheduled to take place Feb. 2-10, was the subject of a boycott by exhibitors reacting to a decision by Reed to ban the sale and display of modern sporting rifles and high-capacity ammunition magazines from the event this year.
By the time the show was canceled, an unconfirmed list of boycotting exhibitors had grown to about 350 and the controversy surrounding the gun-ban decision and its implications for 2nd Amendment rights was immense.
“Reed Exhibitions has decided to postpone, for now, the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show given the controversy surrounding the company’s decision to limit the sale or display of assault rifles at the event,” according to a statement released by Reed on Jan. 24..
“Our original decision not to include certain products in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show this year was made to preserve the event’s historical focus on the hunting and fishing traditions enjoyed by American families,” said Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions president for the Americas.
“In the current climate, we felt that the presence of MSRs would distract from the theme of hunting and fishing, disrupting the broader experience of our guests. This was intended simply as a product decision, of the type event organizers need to make every day.
“It has become very clear to us after speaking with our customers that the event could not be held because the atmosphere of this year’s show would not be conducive to an event that is designed to provide family enjoyment.
Reed Exhibitions, a British company, announced the action Jan. 15, as it was running the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas – the largest firearms trade show in the nation.
In a prepared statement, Reed said then that it feared “certain products” possibly could “attract negative attention,” given the “current climate” following the December massacre of 26 people at an elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
Reed never specifically stated publicly which products were excluded from the show, but several retailers said they were told by show officials not to bring any AR guns or ammunition magazines capable of holding 30 or more rounds to sell or even display.
Reed’s decision was met with swift opposition and outrage. As of Jan. 23, at least four major exhibitors, including Cabela’s – one of the show’s four sponsors – had announced it was pulling out of this year’s event, along with the National Wild Turkey Federation and five celebrities who were supposed to be featured speakers.
Here’s what Reed had to say about its decision in an announcement placed on the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show website:
“As a hunting-focused event, we welcome exhibitors who wish to showcase products and firearms that serve the traditional needs of the sport. Clearly, we strongly support the 2nd Amendment.
“However, this year we have made the decision not to include certain products that in the current climate may attract negative attention that would distract from the strong focus on hunting and fishing at this family-oriented event ...”
Reed spokesman Ed Several said noted the company likely will allow modern sporting rifles to return to the show next year.
“We’re not talking about banning them forever,” he said. “We’re talking about this year, when they could be a distraction. We will certainly revisit this next year.”
In November, Reed had announced the creation of a new area at the show dedicated to tactical guns and accessories.
Trop Gun Shop in Elizabethtown was supposed to be a featured exhibitor in that tactical area. It was the first to boycott the show following Reed’s announcement.
“We feel as if their demands for us not to display modern sporting rifles, high-capacity magazines or even a logo of a manufacturer of said products is irreconcilable with our support of the 2nd Amendment,” store owners posted on Trop’s Facebook page.
Across the Internet, reaction to Reed’s announcement was robust. Both the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation issued statements denouncing the company’s decision.
“The National Rifle Association strongly disagrees with Reed Exhibitions’ decision to ban modern sporting rifles from the Eastern Sports Show,” the NRA posted on its website. “We encourage Reed Exhibitions to reconsider its position.”
After initially stating it would attend the show, the NRA announced on Jan. 22 the organization was pulling out as an exhibitor.
“We had called on Reed Exhibitions to reconsider its decision; unfortunately they have steadfastly refused to do so. As a result, the NRA will not be participating in the upcoming show in Harrisburg or in any other shows hosted by Reed Exhibitions that maintain this policy.”
In addition to canceling its booth space, the National Wild Turkey Federation revealed that it will be rescheduling its sanctioned calling contest that was slated to take place at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show “once a suitable venue is determined.”
Also in the wake of the announcement, Facebook pages were created titled “Boycott the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show” and “Boycott the Expert Guests Attending the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show.”
The show is famous for hosting high-profile hunting and fishing experts and television personalities. As of Jan. 22, five featured speakers had announced they would not attend the show due to the ban.
Editor Jeff Mulhollem contributed to this story.
I'm a poor sucker that lives in New York, our imperious leader, LORD CUOMO has just raped the 2nd amendment. I only hope that all of the exhibitors will stay the course and boycott any NY function.
How strange, leading up to the 2012 election the Republicans asked for a simple photo ID to prevent election fraud, the Democrats went into an uproar, " how can you squash peoples rights, your disenfranchising the poor" but they have no problem telling us to grab our ankles when it comes to 2nd amendment rights.
To all people of Pennsylvania, keep a close eye on your neighbors up North, watch our right erode and remember to never vote for a democrat ever again.
Lord Coumo wants the white house and you'll be next.
Thats what happens when you let an organizer from out of the country have the say over something like this. That doesnt make sense to me. Are there no capable companies from the US to handle something like this?
Reminds me of the goofy move by dcnr seeking a forest certification from outside the country group. How'd that work out? Failure also.
Personally I think we should take ALL of the liberals and ship them to both of the countries mentioned. The U.S of A would be a much better place.
First off, postponed does not mean the same thing as canceled.
Reed made the decision to postpone the show… let's try to be factual in our reporting.
Second… big deal about the fact that Reed is a British company, it was NOT the UK office that was calling the shots here.
It was Reed USA that made the decision to not only postpone the show (not cancel), BUT it was also Reed USA that made the choice to not allow the inclusion of certain weapons at the show.
Now, the following is merely my own personal and singular opinion:
Reed USA is headquartered in Norwalk, CT… a mere 30 miles from Newton, CT… where emotions are still running high and are clearly not in favor of 'assault' weapons... which is understandable, considering the nature and victims of the recent tragedy.
However, it is again, my singular belief that if either Reed USA had been headquartered in another state, or if the shooting happened elsewhere in the country… that is to say that the tragedy and promoter were separated by a much wider geographical area within our country... I seriously doubt that Reed USA would have implemented any sort of 'ban' on what types of weapons that could be displayed at the ESOS.
Coulda woulda shoudla. You can make all the excuses you like. It is what it is.
big deal about the fact that Reed is a British company, it was NOT the UK office that was calling the shots here.
Oh goody. It makes all the difference in the world that their liberal quack underlings may have called the shots more directly than the mothership. lmao.
Boy you sure straightened me, and the author of the piece out. With such a nonsensical argumentative nature for little reason, tou sound like someone we all know from posts past.... lol. ;.) Anyway....
On another note, and predictably the liberals at the gameless commission didn't let the antigun sentiment stop them... They were still on board and didn't withdraw like everyone else.
Typical.
Bye Bye Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. You unquestioningly proved you are nothing more than a bunch of politically correct hacks. There is no riding the fence when it comes to the Constitution, which you pathetically attempted to do. Like a herd of idiots, you tried to please everyone. It sort of worked, cause you pleased all those that hate your show and what you represent. Good job! How can you be so ignorant? Do you even know what you do with your own business? My God, how can you be so incredulously stupid? You are only making matters worse by trying to claim it was a "climate" consideration. Whatever. Losers. All I see is a spineless pack of ninnies jumping on board with the gun control freaks. I will forever have nothing to do with you. I know a few good lawyers that can assist you with your chapter 11 filings.