This year’s Open House event was declared by all parties involved to be an undeniable triumph. For several years, the anti-gunners in our society have sought to make gun ownership and shooting sports appear as radical, reckless, and something that nice people did not do. The club started this event as our own effort to fight that culture war, and help ensure that we reach the young that are our future, and interest them in sport shooting. This year’s event is another example of how we are winning that war.

     Several things came together to ensure that this years Club Open House was by far the most successful in the 5 year history of the event. We employed a few club members at a greeting booth that handed out maps and ear protection, and had attendees sign the standard club release used for public shooting. We featured Cowboy Action shooting, M1 Garand, and carbine shooting, some historical rifle shooting, and many calibers of pistols including cap and ball. There was a Civil War display and demonstration table for shot shell reloading. There was a tent for black powder, and a firearms wholesaler that provided a full line of samples of shotguns from Winchester and Browning. Archery in the Schools was present, and we handed out information regarding gun safety classes. We had to send for more burgers brats and ammo in attempt to satisfy the attendees. Although there was plenty of help scheduled, we could have used more. Due to the turnout (somewhere between 500 and 700) the volunteers were fed after the event closed at 5PM. Special thanks to all that were involved.
     It may have been with the soft economy, people were looking for any event that was free. It may have been the beautiful weather we had that afternoon. But also our method for promoting the event changed this year, relying more on personal references through cards handed out by members, though their businesses, and through a local pizza delivery business rather than newspaper ads.      The result appeared to be a much greater turnout of younger families with children.

Good shooting.
David Arcand
BESA Recording Secretary

Click here to view the Open House flyer from this year (.pdf)