Orvis Sandanona Game Fair

[edgarspencer]

I know this is short notice, and I may be the only person who didn't know, but the Game Fair is tomorrow and Sunday (19th & 20th). I was positive it was next weekend, but I've been positive about a lot of stuff that's not quite right.
My wife says it may rain Sunday. She's often right.

edit: I posted this, in exhaustion, last night, under the wrong thread, so am reposting. There's still one day left, though rain is definitely in the forcast

[edgarspencer]

I went to the game fair today, and it was perhaps the best one yet, as it pertains to firearms dealers. Some rather incredible Parkers in the tents of Steve Barnett, Lion Stone, et al.

[edgarspencer]

I didn't hang around but I suspect there may have been some Very interesting inter-dealer transactions.

[James L. Martin]

I was there today ,had a great time Josh had some really nice Parkers plus other nice guns.

[Kevin McCormack]

I posted in the past about the extent and qualities of this event. Unfortunately I got opted out of attending due to family commitments but I cannot agree more with Edgar - it is a great event and vastly underrated in terms of merchandise and activities. A hunting buddy of mine and I went to it a few years after they stopped hosting the Vintage Cup and it was in every way as satisfying and worth the trip. Josh, August, Griffen and Howe, Galazan, British Sporting Arms and others make it worth the trip. If I lived closer (c. 5 1/2 hrs. via Google Map) I would drive up there tomorrow.

[JAMES HALL]

Kevin, Remember the year of hurricane Isabel. Bent car in your yard eleven trees down in mine on return. I believe you brought home a 410. The good old days.

[Josh Loewensteiner]

It has been a fun show. The rain today dampened spirits this morning, but yesterday was glorious. I truly hope to help the fine doubles market grow at this show going forward.

[edgarspencer]

When Orvis hosted the Vintagers their last time, there were other firearms vendors present. Then there were a few dry years where there only a few. About 3-4 years ago, there was a noticeable increase, and Steve Barnett may have begun the new upswing. I remember saying last year, post show) that it might hav been the best Game Fair yet, and I will repeat that, for 2026.
I’ve been to both Spring and Fall Chatsworth game fairs and while Sandanona might not boast the same size or Savoir Faire, it is equal in appeal. Food prices still suck.

[Frank Srebro]

I was hoping to attend yesterday but my right knee is still on the mend from replacement surgery and doing the gas and brake pedals over 2+ hours each way would be a bit much right now. I tried to get a partner to drive my vehicle but several friends had other commitments. Thanks gents for the reports; it sure sounds like a nice event again this year.

[edgarspencer]

It has been a fun show. The rain today dampened spirits this morning, but yesterday was glorious. I truly hope to help the fine doubles market grow at this show going forward.

Josh, check your radar (if you managed to reconnect to the internet) It's gonna get ugly.

[Kevin McCormack]

Kevin, Remember the year of hurricane Isabel. Bent car in your yard eleven trees down in mine on return. I believe you brought home a 410. The good old days.

Yes Jimmy that was one for the books! I arrived with a 3-month old "never to be sold" VH extractor .410 (my very first chance at a .410) and thanks to Doug T. went home with an ejector GH!

Wife's car was totalled but I beat the owner of Clark Gable's BHE (which he left at the Parker booth for display) up to Turnbull's tent where Jason Barden and I counted out the 100's on the head of a nail keg in a stiff breeze. 100s of hundreds blowing down the fairway into the tent! Life comes at you fast!!