Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce will host a sold-out antiques, art and gun sale and show this weekend.
Forty vendors have rented 104 tables for the sale and show Friday and Saturday, June 17-18 at the Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre.
That’s 14 more tables than the Chamber anticipated renting.
“I’m really excited,” Chamber administrative assistant Sydney Tobler said. “The vendors all seem extremely excited. They are excited that it’s a sold-out show.”
The antique, art and gun sale and show runs from 2-8 p.m. Friday, June 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18.
Vendors offering guns and ammunition for sale is a new addition to the Fort Macleod show.
The addition of guns to the event came at the request of antique dealers.
The antique dealers have found at other shows the presence of guns, ammunition and accessories increases attendance.
The Chamber is hopeful that also happens at the Fort Macleod sale and show.
Tobler said Terri and John Green, Will and Donna Bilozir as well as the Lethbridge Gun Club, were helpful in convincing gun dealers to attend the Fort Macleod sale and show.
The gun vendors are from Lethbridge, Cardston, Claresholm, B.C. and other centres.
Knife-makers will also be present with a wide selection of knives and hand-forged products. A scope repair service will be offered.
The antique dealers will have for sale a wide variety of goods, including figurines, furniture, toys, antique gas pumps, mid-century items, dolls, glassware, Pyrex, militaria, advertising, oil cans, jewellery, coins, stamps, silk scarves, clocks and comics.
“A lot of antique people we haven’t had for a long time are coming because we have insurance for them to sell guns,” Tobler said. “They’ll be able to sell their antique guns.”
Tobler said there will be antiques and guns for every type of collector.
“I’m excited to see all the different kinds of antiques,” Tobler said. “When you get to see some of the things in person it’s really quite remarkable.”
“It’s really, really nice to see all the antiques and to hear the stories behind them, how they found them is really interesting. It will be interesting to hear the gun vendors’ side of things, and the stories behind them.”
The last antique and art sale and show was held under COVID-19 restrictions, which are no longer in place.
“I’ve heard lots of positives from the community,” Tobler said. “We’ve had lots of positive feedback.”
The Foothills Centre is once again providing volunteers to take care of set-up and take-down.
Alberta Hardware is sponsoring the free breakfast for vendors.
Werner Dressler has volunteered to provide security during the day and through the night at the arena.
The Lions Club will operate a concession at the arena and will help with other duties.
Other people have volunteered to fill the various jobs.