Firearms enthusiasts and military collectors are preparing to converge on Oxford American Legion Post 108 at 130 E. Drahner Rd. for its first ever Gun and Military Show Sunday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
‘We’re going to have roughly 40 vendor tables,? said organizer Jim Parkhurst, a past post commander.
The show will feature new and vintage rifles, shotguns and handguns, military uniforms from various eras, branches of the service and countries, ammunition, swords, bayonets and other collectibles like old coins and cameras.
Parkhurst knows one vendor is planning to have three tables full of uniforms and other items from World War I, while another vendor’s planning to bring about a dozen German Lugers.
According to Parkhurst, there are 23 vendor tables already reserved, but he’s expecting more in the coming weeks. The cost is only $10 per table.
‘Most of these shows charge $25 to $35 for a table,? he said. ‘We thought we’d keep the price low. Like everyone else, times are tough for these vendors, too.?
Vendors and those attending the show are invited to buy, sell and trade whatever they want keeping in mind that all federal and state laws must be obeyed.
All firearms must be cased when entering and leaving the building and all weapons will be inspected at the entrance by a team of three retired police officers.
All sales are final and no transactions will be allowed in the parking lot.
While attending the show, participants are invited to view Post 108’s extensive military museum, the second largest collection of its kind in the state.
Established in 1994, the museum features 185 military uniforms and other assorted artifacts ranging from the Civil War era to Desert Storm.
American uniforms from all branches of the Armed Forces are on display along with World War II era German and Japanese uniforms and an Australian uniform from the Vietnam War.
‘We are not, I repeat not, selling anything from the museum or the showcases,? said Parkhurst, who serves as museum curator. ‘It’s simply there for people to view.?
An estimated 1,000 school children visit the museum every year along with church and senior citizen groups. Tours are always free.
Admission for the Gun and Military Show will $5 per person except for children under 12 who are free. Food will be available during the show.
Those who attend the show and wish to join either the American Legion, AMVETS, American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion will receive a coupon good for a $3 discount off the first year’s membership dues.
For more information call Parkhurst at (248) 693-2444 or Art Kitching at (248) 628-7086.