Thousands expected at gun and knife show

Organizers of the biannual Missouri Gun and Knife Show are expecting more than 6,000 sportsmen and women and collectors at the fall event, which kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

With around 150 dealers signed up to buy, sell and trade guns and knives, organizer J.D. King expects more people at the upcoming three-day event than at the March show, also held at the Show Me Center.

"It's because of the response we've gotten and the advertising. We've done a lot more advertising," King said. "It seems like the show gets bigger and bigger."

The trade show has been held at the Show Me Center since 2002 and draws thousands from the tri-state area each year, said Shannon Buford, the venue's marketing director.

"We're getting a reputation for having a good collection of guns and knives," King said.

For the fall gun and knife show about 25 new dealers have committed to displaying at a table. Many of the newcomers are from Missouri, King said, but some are traveling from out of state.

Dealers may buy, sell or trade to sportsmen and to collectors, although lately, King said, he's not seen a lot of people selling or trading their guns and knives.

"They're not selling their guns like they have been in the past. They're buying new ones," King said. "And in the last year or two, people aren't really trading in their old guns for new guns either."

Because thousands attend the event, Buford said, he and the Show Me Center staff take security at the show seriously. There are guards on site during the event, a safety and check station at the entrance and Southeast Missouri State University Department of Public Safety officers are also on site.

"Local law enforcement agencies visit as well throughout the day," Buford said. "All firearm regulations are strictly enforced throughout the show."

Admission to the gun and knife show is $6, except for women and children, who get in free. Children must be at least 12 years old to enter.

Law enforcement officers in uniform or who show their badge may also get in the show free.

"We welcome them and we respect what they do," King said. "Any person in uniform can get in free, that includes Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts."

Hours for the show are 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent Address:

1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO