The Estevan Gun Show wrapped up another successful year after a busy two‑day event that drew steady crowds and vendors from across the Prairies. Organizer Kevin Thompson, who has been running the show since 2014, said the weekend exceeded expectations. “It’s a two‑day event. We started at 10 o’clock Saturday morning and ran until five, and then Sunday from 10 until three,” he said. “The event went really well. We had lots of great feedback.” This year featured several new vendors, along with many returning favourites. Thompson estimated that about 95 per cent of exhibitors came from all over Saskatchewan, with a few making the trip from Manitoba. “We have vendors from Regina, some from Saskatoon, and pretty much everywhere in between,” he said. “It’s been a great weekend. I just wish your parking lot would dry up a little bit, but that’s how Mother Nature is,” he joked. Filling a Local Need Thompson said hosting the event remains important for southeastern Saskatchewan. “First of all, we don’t have a gun store anymore. We did a couple years ago, but unfortunately that didn’t work out,” he explained. “We have a lot of hunters from Estevan, Oxbow, Carnduff, just all over southeastern Saskatchewan. This gives people access to what they need.” He added that organizing the event is something he genuinely enjoys. “I love putting on the show. I’ve been dealing with guns my whole life, since I was a little boy,” he said. “My dad raised me to properly hold a gun, and it’s always stayed with me.” Proceeds Supporting Local Organizations A major highlight this year was the charitable commitment built into the event. “I’m giving a small donation to the 4‑H Club in Browning, and another to Frosty at the Estevan Legion Hall,” Thompson said. “The majority of the money is going to the Wylie Mitchell building, because we are so blessed that we have a building like this.” While he joked that he wishes the building were “a little bigger,” Thompson said the venue continues to work well. “We love renting from these guys. We can put a good amount of tables in here, and we’ve had good feedback from a lot of the vendors,” he said. A Strong Finish Crowds remained steady through Sunday afternoon, and Thompson wrapped the weekend with his usual sense of humour. “I always say, the more guns people buy, the less I have to haul out,” he laughed.