December 24, 2023

Dear Members and Exhibitors,

Well, here it is … another hectic season, in this seemingly never ending hectic time, all within this unrecognizable new world. Whether it’s the fault of the Biden administration, new laws undermining our Second Amendment rights or simply the much higher costs of everything … a really tough time for all of us little folks. And we’re all supposed to be wishing each other a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone with the promise of a grand New Year! Humbug!

BUT, because I am an 80 year old optimist, who lived through the worst of times AND the best of times, I WILL wish you all a Merry Christmas season with that HOPE of a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year.

These past several years have truly been monumental; from tearing them down to surpassing moments of unbelievable changes in lawlessness, civility, dread of disease, fear of war or even invasion of our borders, our liberties and our American values. We all can wonder if these assaults on our lives and well being will ever end … or get worse. So you all know where Cathy and I stand, VOTE for America, vote Trump in 2024.

Our New East-coast Arms Collectors Associates membership has suffered along with our country’s troubles. The CoVid lockdown and over-hype took a toll on most businesses, ours included. For a time, NEACA Gun Shows were the only game in town while our store front as Hudson River Trading Company on Main Street in Mechanicville, NY was one of the only shops to be open. We did manage to make money, but here three years later, we are now wondering, as many of you are, what will this next year bring. Will it be more inflation -- $5.00 a gallon gas or heating oil – higher groceries, electric, and tax bills, or endless increases in interest rates. Our only real hope for the American future is for us to take back our Country and reverse the terrible onslaught brought upon us by these socialist progressives.

We can start that process with each of you renewing NEACA membership so we can at least join together and keep our God-given rights as freedom loving citizens. Keep our gun shows and our gun shops from going out of business. Keep the faith that America will rise again to those good times Cathy and I and most of you experienced. We have enclosed our 2024 application. Please fill it out and send it back to us so you can enjoy the privileges of our NEACA group, get in free and early to all of our events plus join in the camaraderie of like minded people while enjoying the safety and security of gun ownership and collecting.

Let us not go the way of New York State Arms Collectors, which recently disbanded completely and dissolved along with their Syracuse and Albany gun shows. Take note that your address label includes your NEACA member number and expiration date; please renew promptly if expired. Also, we will accept the normal $45 renewal fee through the month of January for any older dates. We hope we can win back most of you and look forward to seeing many new associate members. Join now and get in Free at our Albany Show next month.

We are constantly seeking new areas for our Gun Shows, but I’ve got to tell you … it ain’t easy! Venues turn us down regularly, all because of our promotion of guns – the very items that secured our Freedom from England, afforded our National expansion and make us Americans a unique people in this world. BUT we will persevere! Help us by joining with us and supporting our shows. See our fliers and please submit them ASAP.

NEACA is trying to revive some of our prior venues and look forward to operating new types of shows like we did in the past; such as Toy and Hobby Shows, Antiques and Trains. These trying times enlist the return to yesteryear and back to basics. We wish all of you well plus our own future efforts.

Thanks, Cathy & Dave.