Scottish Rite to host gun and knife show

Gun and knife collectors and enthusiasts in the area may find something they have been looking for next month at the Scottish Rite Temple.

Members of the Fort Scott Chapter of the Scottish Knights of St. Andrew will conduct a gun and knife show Sept. 19-20 at the temple, 110 S. Main St. During the show, now in its second year, dealers from different parts of Kansas and Missouri and members of the public may showcase their merchandise, according to event organizer Ken Wheeler.

"We're trying it again this year," he said. "We're hoping it will become an annual event."

A wide variety of weapons and accessories, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, and even ammunition and holsters, will be on display during the show.

"There will be a wide range of things," Wheeler said. "Whatever they (dealers and the public) happen to bring with them that day."

Last year's exhibit included about $1 million worth of products that visitors are able to view and handle, he added.

No flea market items or controversial materials or weapons will be allowed in the exhibit. Federal firearm laws put in place by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) concerning the sale and trade of firearms and related items will apply for all dealers and any member of the public who wish to buy, sell or trade items at the show, Wheeler said.

This year's show has expanded to include about 50 tables full of merchandise, he added.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Fort Scott Chapter of the Scottish Knights of St. Andrew, and the various community projects that its members conduct and participate in throughout the year.

"It's our major fundraiser," Wheeler said.

Last year's event drew about 450 attendees even with many streets blocked off downtown and not accessible due to work that continued on the Streetscape project, so organizers anticipate at least twice that many attendees this year, Wheeler said.

"We were hoping for more but people just couldn't find the place," he said. "We'd love to (this year) have 1,000 people through the door, or more."

The public is invited to attend the show, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. A concession stand will be provided during the event.

The admission charge is $4 for visitors 12 years of age and older. Children under 12 years of age who are accompanied by an adult will be admitted free of charge. Any person under 18 years of age who is not accompanied by a parent or guardian will not be admitted, according to a flyer on the event.

The fee for a dealer table is $30. All reservations must be paid in advance, the flyer said.

For more information, contact Wheeler at (620) 215-1089, at the Scottish Rite Temple at 223-1330, or by e-mail at kwheeler@humer8.k12.mo.us.