Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce administrative assistant Sydney Tobler
Last week was a frantic one for Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce administrative assistant Sydney Tobler.
Tobler had sold nearly all of the available 90 spots in the antique, art and gun sale and show set for June 17-18.
But when the Liberal government tabled new gun control legislation, 28 of the spots filled by gun vendors were suddenly empty.
The gun dealers were filled with uncertainty about the proposed stringent new regulations, even though the bill has not yet been passed in the House of Commons.
“It was a sold-out show yesterday,” Tobler said May 31. “My heart’s a little sad today, but I think that I can fill some of those spots.”
And Tobler did just that.
By Thursday’s Chamber luncheon hosted by the Fort Macleod Veterinary Clinic Tobler had signed up another 10 vendors, bringing to 75 the number of spots filled.
By Monday the Chamber had booked all 90 spots for the sale and show at the Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre.
The antique vendors — many of whom have been to Fort Macleod’s sale and show before — include local ones and others from around the province.
The gun vendors are from Lethbridge, Cardston, Claresholm, B.C. and other centres.
No artists have registered yet for the sale and show.
“It’s going to be a fantastic show and I’m really excited,” Tobler said. “A lot of the vendors are really excited.”
The last antique and art sale and show was held under COVID-19 restrictions, which are no longer in place.
The antique dealers will have for sale a wide variety of goods, including furniture, toys, dolls, glassware, Pyrex, militaria, advertising, oil cans, furniture, coins, stamps and comics.
Gun sale and show
Vendors offering guns and ammunition for sale is a new addition to the Fort Macleod show.
“Our antique dealers had asked us to include guns,” Tobler said, explaining that is part of other antique shows. “It brings more foot traffic to the show.”
“The antique vendors will bring a lot more stuff just because the guns are going to be there.”
The guns will be modern as well as antique, and there will be some knife-makers present as well.
Volunteers
The Foothills Centre is once again providing volunteers to take care of set-up and take-down.
Alberta Hardware is sponsoring the free breakfast for vendors.
Werner Dressler has volunteered to provide security during the day and through the night at the arena.
The Lions Club will operate a concession at the arena and will help with other duties.
Five other people have volunteered, but people are still needed to man the admission desk and take on other jobs.
“I could still use some volunteers,” Tobler said.
The Chamber of Commerce is optimistic the sale and show will attract a large crowd of buyers.
The antique and gun sale and show runs from 2-8 p.m. Friday, June 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18.
The Checkmates Car Club is also hosting its annual show ‘n’ shine on June 18, something that Tobler said complements the antique sale and show.
“Moving forward we want to work more closely together,” Tobler said.
