Saratoga Springs gun show reports record crowds and sales (New York State)

The Saratogian ^ | January 17, 2013 | Paul Post

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — The recent Saratoga Springs Arms Fair at the City Center had record-setting attendance and sales, organizers say.

The three-day event drew nearly 7,000 people, twice previous totals, said Cathy Petronis, of Mechanicville, who runs the show with her husband, David.

The gun show drew extensive media coverage because of opponents who wanted to have it canceled, following last month’s elementary school shooting deaths in Newtown, Conn. Dozens of people, both for and against, demonstrated outside the City Center last Saturday.

"Not only was it not cancelled, the show saw the greatest attendance in its history," David Petronis said.

He has been holding multiple Arms Fairs each year at the City Center since the building opened in 1984. Three more are planned this year in March, August and October.

Many weapons enthusiasts lined up outside to buy guns and accessories that might not be available soon under the state’s new gun control legislation. Some people said they attended just to show support without buying anything...