The fifth annual River Ridge Fish & Game Gun Show was held on June 9 to 10 at the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre in Canora, with vendors in attendance from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Kathy Thomas, president, River Ridge Fish & Game, said the show continues to be popular with vendors and outdoor enthusiasts alike. She said the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre was filled to capacity, with 118 tables from over 40 vendors, who came from as far away from Winnipeg, Man. and Cold Lake, Alta.
Vendors who attend the show are given comment cards each year.
“Probably the biggest thing they like about our show is the volunteer help from River Ridge Fish & Game membership,” said Thomas. “The vendors really appreciate all the help they get with unloading their vehicles and setting up the displays before the show, and then again with the take down and getting their vehicles loaded afterward.”
Larry Starchuk of Cold Lake, Alta. has made the eight-hour drive to the Gun Show in Canora for each of the past five years. He is retired from the military and has been buying, selling and collecting shotguns and rifles as a hobby for the past 35 years. He had approximately 75 guns on display at the Gun Show, along with an assortment of accessories such as ammunition, scopes and shotgun barrels.
Bob Stoyand Sr. of Canora, owner of Dr. Bob’s Marine Clinic & Power Sports Services, is a regular vendor at the Gun Show. He said being at the show is simply good for business.
Hunters and fishermen come here looking for something they haven’t seen or want to try,” said Stoyand. “And since the show charges admission, we know that people looking at our displays have a specific need in mind, and they aren’t here just killing time.”
He believes strongly in supporting the show, since many River Ridge members are loyal supporters of Dr. Bob’s.
Stoyand said Dr. Bob’s has a wide selection of fishing gear available online at www.dr.bobsmarineclinic.com and at their shop in Canora, including hooks, lures, life jackets, fishing boxes and fishing rods for everyone from the beginning angler to the experienced pro.
They also have used boat engines available at the shop.
Bob Robson of the southern Saskatchewan community of Rockglen, owner of Robson Knives, was a first-time vendor at the Gun Show. He said Ernie Gazdewich, one of the founders of the show, convinced him to make the trip. Robson has been making knives by hand for over 30 years, with the best quality materials and attention to detail.
“These knives are made of surgical steel and made to cut,” said Robson. “Handles are created from a variety of materials including Manitoba maple, Mammoth ivory deer horn and exotic hardwoods.”
Robson said Robson Knives are ideal for hunting and fishing, with further information available online at www.robsonknives.com. In addition to running his business, he also teaches knife making classes, and proudly sells knives made by a number of his students. He said one of his favourite things about making knives is that there always seems to be something new to learn.
In addition to being one of the founders of the Gun Show, Ernie Gazdewich of Canora owns Ernesto’s Guns & Such, a business where hunters can find “a bit of everything.” His show display included handguns, rifles, shotguns and loading components.
He said he has long believed that the Canora region would get behind a gun show, and is pleased to see how well it has been supported for the past five years, and how visitors during the event support Canora businesses. Gazdewich said it’s almost like it’s a traveling circus, since many of the vendors attend the same shows during the year.
He said the show would not be possible without the support and hard work of approximately 50 volunteers. The canteen was operated by Extravadance Studio.
Gazdewich said outdoor enthusiasts should take note that the sixth annual River Ridge Fish & Game Gun Show is scheduled for June 8 to 9, 2019.
