OLDS — The August edition of the Olds Gun & Antique Show was a great success, says manager Linda Toews.
Toews says the event, held Aug. 9 and 10 at the Cow Palace, attracted a total of about 1,600, about 1,000 of whom came through the doors on Saturday.
“It was so busy on Saturday, it was kind of crazy,” Toews said during an interview with the Albertan. “It was little slow on Sunday, of course, but then it always is, so yeah, it was great.
“The vendors were all really happy with how everything went, and we were certainly happy.”
Attendance wasn’t quite as strong as the April show, but that’s normal, she added.
Toews said once again, some vendors and customers liked it so much they asked if they could hold a third show in town.
“I just don't have anywhere to put it,” she said.
There were a handful of new vendors at the show too.
Toews said that’s because each year, a few vendors can’t make either the April or the August show, so new ones who’ve applied before get a chance to be slotted in.
She noted that as always, the chief firearms officer was there too.
That office looks after federal firearms legislation, advocates for lawful firearms owners in the province and promotes safety.
A portion of proceeds from the event goes to several local charities: Special Olympics Olds & District, the Wild Rose Go Getters Women's Institute, Olds & District Special Family Voices and the First Olds Scouts.
Toews is still compiling figures, but she said the silent auction and donations at the door seemed to be strong.
