The Lloyd Ex was loaded with eager shoppers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts as the Lloydminster Gun and Outdoor Sportsman Show returned to the Border City.
Read more: Fischer embraces new WHL trade to Seattle
The annual event, hosted by the Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association, is quite the attraction, bringing many out-of-town residents to Lloyd.
“Last year, we had over 2,400 (people) come through in two days,” said Dwayne Davison, president, Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association.
He says people come in from all over to take in the event.
“All over Alberta and Saskatchewan for the vendors,” said Davison. “As far as attendees, you get people (from) North Battleford, some from Kindersley. Easily within 100 kilometres, there’s lots of people driving for this.”
People coming in were greeted by a busy hallway and a pair of packed rooms in the Lloyd Ex, with the WLS Convention Centre also filled with vendors and attendees.
There was a wide range of vendors set up, selling everything from guns to clothing, and there was even a booth for hearing protection.
“We do sell a lot of guns here. We have outdoor equipment and it’s a wide range of stuff, fishing, hunting, clothing, you name it,” said Davison, noting both the Chief Firearms Offices from Saskatchewan and Alberta also had booths set up at the show.
For the Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association, the event serves as a large fundraiser.
“This is our major fundraiser for the year and we certainly appreciate people coming out,” said Davison.
The money goes to support local and provincial initiatives.
“We donate to the various conservation camps in Saskatchewan and Alberta. We support both because we belong to both Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and Alberta Wildlife Federation,” he said.
Davison explained they also host a youth outdoor day each summer.
“We do a youth activity outdoor activity day in June where 10-to-13-year-olds can come out and learn orienteering and (get to) shoot pellet guns and learn pellet-gun safety at our indoor range,” he said. “They can also shoot archery indoor at the archery range at our property and there’s an outdoor camp for them.”
Next on the docket for Davison is the organization’s upcoming banquet at the end of the month.
“Our banquet is on Saturday, Jan. 31,” he said, noting tickets are available at Grindin’ Gears or by contacting him at 780-808-6420.
Read more: Advocating for the Lloydminster business community
