The Lone Tree Gun Show took place this past weekend at the Richland County Fair Event Center. Helmed by Leanne Pelvit and Brenda Larson, the show, which started out as a fundraiser for the Sidney Chamber of Commerce, has now entered its 24th year. "Last year the event raised money for the 4H rifles for shooting sports. This year the Boys and Girls Club of Sidney and Hunter Safety will be benefiting from the show." Larson says.
Lonetree's popularity has grown through the years and demand to present here is high. With 160 tables offered, the show sells out very quickly and the waiting list is very long. Last year there were approximately 1200 people who came through the doors. This year, even with a torrential downpour on Friday night, Larson and Pelvit believe it will be up to 1500 people to visit by the end of Sunday.
People travelled hundreds of miles from across Montana and Wyoming to be here. Most of these vendors have been coming here for years, some since its inception like Claire Stoner or Midge and Sandy Siefert from Glasgow. "We are very close to many of the vendors. They are like our family. They have watched our children grow and we're always so happy to see them again."
"Our first show was held in the Armory building and after a few years we switched to the old commercial building. Now we are in the Event Center, which is at least double the size," said Larson, "It's nice to have the space but also air conditioning and a kitchen now."
Leanne Pelvit who has helped Larson organize the event for years now, states, "It takes a lot to put this together, but we have always been fortunate to have people volunteer their time and help make it a success." Larson agrees, "We can't thank everyone enough. Both our husbands, our friends and our children share their time to volunteer or "volun-told" as our kids like to put it. Brent Coon has been with us since day one and Deniece Schwab is our chief cook. They are just wonderful people and a great help."
Just as you would expect there were guns, guns and more guns of course, but surprisingly, it was an eclectic blend of other wares as well. As you walked by the tables, new and old rifles, shotguns, handguns, revolvers and ammunition were displayed with much care, but this is also the place to come if you are looking for antiques or collectibles. Things that you might not find at Cabella's or some other sporting store. One gun, a Parker 28 gauge, owned by Mick Peabody of Great Falls, was priced at $20000.00. At another table, rented by Kirk and Carol Harshman, there was a beautiful and intricately designed gun belt. Made from leather and housing two .45 colts and curved five inch blade with an ivory handle. Completely hand made and never used.
Interspersed throughout the guns you could also find knives of various size, jewelery, homemade or new, collectible coins, rugs, kitchen wares, samurai swords, toys and various knick-knacks. There was a little something for everyone here. Even if you came just to look, the vendors were excited to talk about their items.
The gun show also gave some Sidney natives a chance to display their talents. Patti Schwenke's table was full of her homemade Rosarys. Kevin Lake offered hand crafted custom made knives and pens. David McDonald, a science teacher at the High School in Sidney, had a display of Japanese swords. Some from WWI and another that dated back as far as the 1400s. McDonald buys and sells, repairs and appraises these swords.
Both Larson and Pelvit want the people of Sidney to know if there is a cause or a need for fundraising to give them a call. "We are always looking to help. If there is a non-profit organization out there that needs a helping hand, just give us a call." All inquiries for fundraising opportunities can go to Leanne Pelvit at 480-5594.
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