No Dave, not those types of guns.
This is definitely not something we would ordinarily attend. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect at the show but we assumed it would be mostly attended by white men. This was in fact the case I saw a few women there and some kids as well. Sunday was billed as "family day" but there did not seem to be anything kid specific there like face painting or clowns.
A few things I didn't expect or was surprised by at the show:
- Lots of jewelry vendors. The more I thought about it the more sense this made. The target audience is men. Men can earn brownie points with their significant other by bringing home a piece of jewelry after spending the afternoon at a gun show.
- I've never looked into purchasing a gun but was a little surprised that prices started at around $200. For some reason I thought entry prices would be higher.
- Guns with pink grips. Really, is this the way to attract female buyers.
- A coin dealer. This was actually good for me as I have been meaning to find somebody to appraise the various coin sets I have. He said he attends quite a few of the gun shows that take place in the area. I am puzzled as to what about the target demographic is also interested in coins, but it clearly makes sense
- A woman selling home made honey and dried foods. The honey was delicious and we bought a couple of jars. It wasn't until we left that we realized why this made sense at the show. The honey was advertised as never going bad; along with the dried beans and such appeals to the survivalist.
- The vendors with cash or check only, nobody seemed to take credit cards. With services like Square I have just gotten used to everybody even vendors and fairs taking credit cards.
- A group raffling off tickets for a quilt. This one still puzzles me.
A couple of things that didn't surprise me.
- The demographics.
- Lots of anti-Obama merchandise including toilet paper. (OK the toilet paper surprised me but not the anti-Obama aspect of it).
It was definitely an interesting experience but I can't say I will ever go to show again. I didn't feel uncomfortable, we had some interesting conversations, and bought some delicious honey; but I just don't have a need for a gun.
2 comments:
What surprised me the most is that a gun show qualifies as a CULTURAL event!
I would think not accepting credit cards makes a quick, nothing to check sales a lot easier. No trail and all that.
Christine, We asked to make sure it would count towards the assignment. The main purpose was to expose yourself to a strange situation or a group of people outside of your normal circle of comfort.
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