AR-15 Raffle Cancelled For Upcoming Wheaton Gun Show

WHEATON, IL — A sporting association has cancelled the AR-15 raffle it had planned for an upcoming gun show in Wheaton, but that won't stem the wave of protest anticipated in the wake of the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Pioneer Valley Sportsman's Association (PVSA) will also prohibit the sales of AR-15 type weapons and bump stocks at the annual event on March 4, according to Chicago Tribune.

Jim McGuire, who manages DuPage County Fairgrounds told Chicago Tribune that a raffle or sale of AR-15s doesn't "quite mesh" with the family-friendly atmosphere the fairgrounds espouse.

Sunday's show is an all-ages event and children under 14 get free admission, according to the DuPage County Fairgrounds website. Gun enthusiasts can browse rare and collectible firearms, hunting gear, war memorabilia, and more. Visitors will also be able to start or renew their FOID card or NRA membership at the gun show.

Anti-gun activists, including Friends Who March, are expected to protest the gun show on Sunday.

Pioneer Valley Sportsman's Assocation responded to the Parkland, Florida shooting and other incidences of gun violence with a message on its website, saying that their "thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by the recent tragedies." The organizers emphasized that the association follows state, local, and federal laws appropriate to the venue.

They added, "The recent tragedies perpetrated by a few unstable individuals should not reflect negatively or detract from the rights of millions of law abiding [sic] citizens. We support common sense gun laws that keep those that may harm someone from owning or accessing a firearm."

>>>Image credit: Getty Images/John Moore / Staff

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