Outdoor expo aims to help out veterans
On Saturday, some of the Flathead Valley’s top firearms manufacturers and outdoor companies will work with the Veterans Family of Brands to hold an outdoor expo in Bigfork that prioritizes supporting those who have served in the military.
Event coordinator Tom Barker said the group aims to combine the world of business with veterans support. He said the organization connects companies with charities that give 95 percent or more of their revenue to veterans.
Barker said this is the first time the Veterans Family of Brands has joined with Flathead Valley businesses for an outdoor expo.
The expo will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. centered at the Benghazi Memorial Site at 425 Quarter Circle Way, Bigfork. Related events are at the Bigfork Gun Range and Scotty’s Range in the Lower Valley.
“The day’s purpose is to shoot and show products people talk about constantly but haven’t had the chance to try out,” he said. “But the real effort is to acknowledge we have a lot of veterans in our valley and we want to support them. Having this many organizations show that support feels great.”
Barker said once the event’s costs are covered, the remaining money earned during the daylong expo will go to the Lone Survivor Foundation and Special Operations Wounded Warriors.
Along with training events, the day will allow the public to try out various rifles, bows, hunting, fishing and camping equipment. Product providers include Proof Research, Falkor Defense, NEMO Arms, Spirit Quest Archery and Fastoys.
Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at the door for $5. People can buy tickets in advance for $3.50 at http://bit.ly/29P8RlY. To learn more about Veterans Family of Brands and the outdoor expo, go to http://www.veteransfob.com/#!outdoor-expo/a7l33. To purchase tickets for the charity dinner Saturday night, go to http://bit.ly/2ads1Bt.
Schedule
Saturday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Flathead Lake Lodge Benghazi Memorial
Dealer tables with products from Veterans Family of Brands and local companies, an archery range with targets for children and adults, food trucks and children’s entertainment.
Bigfork Gun Range
Public shooting and demonstrations. For a fee, members of the public can shoot local weapons at a variety of targets with Team Never Quit and Controlled Chaos Ammunition. People must buy tickets at the Benghazi Memorial Site prior to going to the range.
Scotty’s Range (Lower Valley)
Public shooting and demonstrations of Gnat Warfare and Skeet at Scotty’s Range. For a fee, the public can shoot shotguns on the skeet range or at a 90 mph drone target.