Pair of Gun Safety, Self Defense Info Events Planned for Twin Cities

Amid increasingly-polarized debates over gun control, Minnesota is one of a growing number of states across the US with record increases in permit-to-carry applications. While that surge coincides with a significant drop in violent crime in the US, safety concerns are heightened in Minnesota with a recent uptick in violent crime and decreased police staffing levels, especially in the metro departments which have been hard hit with a shortage of officers.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. October 6, 2014 – For the 2nd year two Twin Cities women are teaming up with local Harley Davidson dealerships on a pair of events to promote gun safety and provide a forum for community members to learn about a range of self defense training and information. The events will be held on October 11 and 18 at Zylstra Harley Davidson, Elk River, and St. Paul Harley Davidson, St. Paul, respectively.

The two Minnesota Carry Day & Safety Education Expo 2014 events, organized by Gretchen Morris, an Elk River business owner, and Shelley Leeson, volunteer director of Twin Cities Gun Owners & Carry Forum, will host a mix of vendors including local law enforcement, firearms instructors, martial arts trainers, non-lethal self defense products and personal safety trainers. The events will host nationally recognized speakers, and there will be free information sessions throughout the day at each event on a range of topics including personal safety for kids and adults, Q & A with law enforcement, gun safety practices, non-lethal self defense options, permit-to-carry and more.

Featured speakers at the Oct. 11 event at Zylstra Harley Davidson, Elk River, will include nationally recognized author and firearms trainer Michael Martin, United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) Chief Instructor, who will present“What We’ve Learned about School Shooters.” Legal expert James Fleming, Minnesota criminal defense attorney and founder of Mid-Minnesota Self-Defense, Inc., will present “Aftermath,” an overview of a course he offers on what to expect in the aftermath of a self defense deadly force encounter. Minnesota Rep. Brian Johnson, who will also speak at the St. Paul event, will provide tips on how to effectively communicate with representatives, and a deputy from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Dept. will talk about responsibilities of permit holders and answer questions, along with a host of other experts who will present a wide range of personal safety topics.

The Oct. 18 event at St. Paul Harley Davidson, St. Paul, will feature information sessions which include martial arts trainer and 4th degree black belt Katie Anderson, USA Karate – Woodbury, who will offer tips on self defense and escape techniques for both kids and adults. There will be an overview of stun guns and other less-than-lethal self defense products by Stun & Run Self Defense LLC. Self defense trainer Jack Pettengill of Dynamic Defensive Arts will give an overview of practical self defense techniques that employ the use of leverage and how to use items like keys and cell phones as self defense tools. Representatives from Bill’s Gun Shop and Range – Hudson will talk about “Gun Safety Basics.” Minnesota Rep. Tony Cornish is slated to share thoughts about being responsible gun owners and hunters, and there will also be a number of other information sessions throughout the day.

Both events are family-friendly, free to attend and open to the public 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at each location, with free parking. Vendors and Info Sessions are subject to changes or additions. Info Sessions are free to attend but seating will be limited and will be filled on a first-come basis. Attendees can enter drawings for a chance to win door prizes and give-aways. Breakfast and lunch fare will be available for purchase from Uncle Franky’s mobile food truck, which will be on site at both events serving their locally famous hotdogs, sandwiches, fries, mini-donuts and more.

Event locations:

Oct. 11, 2014, Zylstra Harley Davidson, 19600 Evans St., Elk River, MN 55330

Oct. 18. 2014. St. Paul Harley Davidson, 2899 Hudson Rd, St. Paul, MN 55128

Event pages on Facebook:

Elk River: https://www.facebook.com/events/1533681146864310/

St. Paul: https://www.facebook.com/events/1554584851422785/

Events co-sponsored by Alpha Apparel & Promotions and Twin Cities Gun Owners & Carry Forum.

Events are hosted independently by Zylstra Harley Davidson, Elk River,http://www.elkriverzylstrahd.com/, and St. Paul Harley Davidson, St. Paul,http://www.stpaulhd.com/, respectively.

All vendors, information sessions and featured speakers are subject to change without notice.

Full list of vendors, speakers and Info Sessions can be found on the Twin Cities Gun Owners & Carry Forum website, http://www.minnesota2a.com/news-commentary/mncarrydaysafetyeducationexpo2014-pressrelease, or the above event page links. Subject to changes and additions without notice.