Gun Show in Belle Fourche, SD Fighting City

[wendellgj]

Hello, I am new to the forum and one of your members told me about "THR" so I joined and have been reading many categories with great interest. 16 years ago the "City of Belle Fourche", SD passed city ordanances that ran the last gun show out of town. It has been my wife and I a life long endeavor to help folks understand patriotism. I had a gun show called "MY GROUP" that donated all the proceeds to a 4H shooting club with 400 + adolescents in a 3 County area. It has been incredible we are not in jail but actually pulled this off during another event the (City) spends tens of thousands dollars to promote which has nothing to do with patriotism or any of the Amendments. It was a very small gun and knife show and very successful. It broke many City Ordnances, however, it would have been so demeaning for the locals to intervene and end up on local news stations as arresting folks who are enabling local adolescents to learn the technology of archery, air powered shooting devices, and small caliber to high power shooting skills. Now tell me why these City Fathers and Mothers don't get behind this new era to introduce bringing back the skills of our ancestors as opposed to sitting around smoking dope? It is beyond me but I am planning another gun and knife show for June of next year dedicated to Veterans and current military members. Last year all Veterans entered free and we had one WW2 Veteran with his own table (free of charge of course). I am wondering if anyone has some ideas I can present to the new economic development committee? I have done all the positive tax benifits etc. and they seem to be full of fear when it comes to firearms related events. My floor space was 5,000 sq. ft. with 40 tables so you see it is small but was very successful.

 

[Tony k]

Wow
I can't believe any place in west river SD has any kind of anti-gun ordinance, especially Belle Fourche.

I'd take it up with the city council and try to have the ordinance removed from the books. I doubt any politician in SD wants to appear to be anti 2A.

 

[Davek1977]

N/m

 

[Ryanxia]

I think focusing on youth shooting and maybe some new shooter shooting is the way to go personally. Introducing new shooters is the only way we're going to keep our Liberties. And the kids that go off to college can maybe shift the opinion a little when going up against their anti professors.

 

[wendellgj]

The City has a single Table Ordinance with high fees per table plus you have to go to the City Police department and pay a bond for every person that might step or work behind any given table. Plus the local police are told which "City Events" they can help with traffic control etc. I would be sent a bill by the City if even one City employee helped with any issue. And the list goes on. Fear from above. I have been before the council and is brutal, however, not on this issue. I am going to approach the new economic members and see if they will waive the fees. You see I am the only person with a large enough floor space that doesn't have to rent a building from the City and a person who wants to have gun shows as a way to promote citizenship. Thank you.

 

[Sniper66]

Why on earth would a governing body run gun shows out of town?? As Charlie Brown would say, "Good Grief" I don't know if this would be an option for you, but if there is a building outside the city limits that could accommodate your gun show, it would be a good way to go. I go to numerous gun shows and the cities usually welcome the influx of money with open arms, no pun intended. Perhaps, if the weather permitted it, you could rent some large tents and construct a temporary shelter on friendlier property.

 

[jasonsch]

Not in MY state!!

Are you sure your in South Dakota, western South Dakota?? That honestly kinda scares the hell out of me! Why in the world would the city care if there is a gun show?? Guns are everywhere in this state. Pay your $10 and pass the background check and you got a pistol permit. I live in a small town (about 800 people) and I can think of 4 guys that have FFL's right here in town!! (I'm one of them) We have a pretty good gun show here once or twice a year at our Legion Hall.
Are some of the City Counsel members not from Belle Fourche, or maybe not even from South Dakota? The Black Hills is a beautiful place to live and I know a lot of people are moving into that area. A big city fellow told me this a while ago. He said, "Do you know why they call South Dakota God's country?' No, I don't. Why?? "Because nobody but God would want to live there!!" I told him that was fine with me. Please people, come here and visit! See and enjoy all the neat things we have here and spend all your money... But please, no offence intended, get the hell out of here when your done.
I think you're taking the right approach by speaking to them about the money a gun show brings in and the good it can do for the community. I wish there was a way I could help you out. If you can get some like minded people to join you, and go to those often boring City Counsel meetings and present a good common sense explanation of your side of the story - You just might persuade them to change things. Especially since it was apparently 16 years ago when they started this nonsense.
I'd sure look at the numerous gun shows they have in Rapid City and point out the good that comes from them. And well written letter's to the editor will get the issue into the spot light and foster discussion. I wouldn't doubt that one of the local news channels here would do a story on it, if someone would let them know what's going on.
This kind of crap going on here makes me want to say, "Not here!! Not in MY state!!"
I wish you the best of luck and I sincerely hope that common sense will prevail.

 

[wendellgj]

I know of your gun show events in Phillip and actually contacted all the authorities in small community's around SD, and WY. I believe it is more bad politics with horrid ordinances than anti-gun sentiment, however, big brother has instilled fear and the mind set that firearms are bad. The police dept. here is out of control with new hires constant. They are extremely aggressive and the States attorney condones their behavior. The Sheriffs Dept. is the only reasonable law we have.