Wasilla High hosting annual gun and outdoor show

The 41st annual Wasilla High School Gun and Outdoor Show presented by the Wasilla Warrior High School Hockey Team will open its doors to welcome a large array of vendors and thousands of attendees this weekend. This unique opportunity to host one of the largest gun shows in the state on school property provides the hockey team with necessary funding to practice and compete throughout the season.

The show is open Saturday January 17 from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. and Sunday January 18 from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. in the Wasilla High School gym and cafeteria. The entry fee is $8 per person.

This year’s show will host a variety of vendors selling firearms, ammunition, fishing and outdoor gear, snacks, food, jewelry and more. Over 20 new vendors will be at this year’s show and returning vendors will expand to more tables, with 250 tables currently spoken for.

Profits from vendor table sales, entry fees and raffle ticket sales go to the hockey team. The 50-50 raffle is split with the winning ticket holder and the team.

Food concessions will be hosted by the Wasilla High School Student Council. The Saturday menu consists of breakfast burritos and baked potatoes and the Sunday menu will be breakfast sandwiches and spaghetti with meatballs. All funds from sales will go back to the student council.

Setup starts Friday evening with hockey team staff, board members, players and their families cleaning and preparing the space for the following day. Tables are set, chairs are brought in and a mat will be rolled out over the gym floor. Tables will fill the common area and cafeteria, the upper track and the gym floor.

Over 40 players will assist vendors with carrying their gear to their tables, serving as security at the doors, operating the elevator, selling raffle tickets and serving vendors. Cleanup and breakdown will happen Sunday afternoon as soon as the show finishes and will last into the evening.

“It’s a good thing for the players that they are taking ownership and partaking in earning their playing and their practice time,” Vendor Coordinator Kendra Johnson said. “This is a growth experience for them to take ownership.”

The first 200 people on each day of the show will be entered into a drawing for a $300 Sportsman’s Warehouse gift card. Last year’s opening day saw a record number of attendees. Johnson said they are hoping to see those numbers again this year.

Attendees are reminded that only service animals are allowed and to please leave pets at home.