October 19, 2010

Dear Members and Exhibitors,

Our October Halloween Arms Fair has now ridden off on a broomstick, we are $50 lighter from candy and now it’s time for us to gear up for that yummiest of American holidays, Thanksgiving.

This past Saratoga City Center show did give me some grief and I wish to apologize for any misinformation about loading prior to the show. I was only passing on limited information I received. I have been awaiting response to several questions I have posed to the City Center staff but the closer it gets to the end of construction it seems the harder it is for them to take time out to answer me. The last word we had was that construction will be completed by the end of December. As information becomes available as far as removal of construction equipment from the parking lots and access points to the building, we will update our website.

However, our Saratoga October Arms Fair held its own. We were down about 10% in attendance from October of 2009 but we’ve been hearing that most shows are down 20% to 35%. The public was pleased with the show and although some mentioned difficulties parking, most said that when you really want to go to an event you take everything in stride and they also mentioned we are still the best around. Nice to hear!

On a personal note, Dave has completed construction of our garage addition, installed all the windows plus a beautiful patio door and now we are awaiting the arrival of our garage door. Never believe these places that tell you 2 week delivery, then 3 weeks and now it’s looking like 4 to 6 weeks. I’m still taking over the communications while he is now trying to put our shop back in shape. We have so much merchandise it’s been a chore just to walk around.

Our next Gun Show is at the Ilion-Frankfort VFW Post 502 on Saturday, December 11; the flier is enclosed. Please note that the tables are 6 feet, not 8. For any dealers who have to travel a good distance and want a motel for Friday night, I’ve secured a discounted rate of $71 for two double beds or $89 for a king bed at the Herkimer Motel, which is only 5 miles from the show, right off Thruway Exit 30. Their number is 315-866-0490 but mention the Frankfort Gun Show. The VFW also puts on quite a feed on Friday nights; fish fry, shrimp, scallops, NY strip steak and they say they have a great cook and the meals range from $9 to $13. Anyone coming out on Friday, might want to think about it, then you can also help us set up the tables.

I can’t believe how fast these holidays are approaching. It seems like the recession has really hit our area hard this year. There was an article in our local paper telling of over 300 families in need of help. We decided to adopt (sponsor) two children for Christmas. Our local Community Center organizes everything. They provide the information on what the kids want plus sizes for clothing you bring it to the center and they make sure it gets to the right family. We feel very fortunate to be able to help and, after all, "it is more blessed to give." In the giving I receive great pleasure.

You will also find a January 28, 29 & 30, 2011 Saratoga Arms Fair flier enclosed. We took many deposits in October and applications have been coming in since, if you want tables please send in your deposit, one table is fine for now. Our January, 2010 show was gang busters and quite full. We had almost 3000 people through that show, this one should also be great.

We have been working on a 300 plus table show in the Mid Hudson Valley in May. We have the choice of the second or third weekend. We’d like some input from our members and dealers as to which you think would be better, please email or call with your opinion and if you can attend.

We haven’t confirmed a date for Utica yet but we’ve had many people asking about that show. We’ll probably stick with early April, Easter is the 24th so there’s no conflict there.

Still nothing firmed up for Lake George. We know their remodeling won’t be done at the Holiday Inn at least until April 1st. We attended another of their "Chef’s Tables" at TR’s restaurant, which was sumptuous, and the hotel manager confirmed the completion date. We’re working on another location but nothing definite yet. Check our Gun Show pages at NEACA.com.

In closing let me say we hope you all have a great Thanksgiving, and if we don’t see you in Frankfort next month, a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Chanukah and a happy, healthy New Year.  

Sincerely, Cathy & Dave