Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Annual gun show set for return

Staff Writer

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Thousands of gun and knife enthusiasts are expected to descend upon the Clovis Civic Center this weekend for the Clovis Evening Lions Club gun, knife and coin show — with the organization’s overarching goal being the promotion of healthy vision and awareness of preventable vision loss among children.

“There will be over 100 tables of guns, knives and survival gear merchandise,” said Joe Whitehurst, who serves as Project Chairman for the Clovis Evening Lions Club. “We’re excited to have folks from all over the state of New Mexico and west Texas come in for the event. And all of the money will stay in the community, as we work to provide local children with vision screenings and other sight-related services.”

Whitehurst said the show kicks off Friday with hours from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. while patrons can shop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for military personnel and children under age 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Events such as the gun show greatly aid the Clovis Evening Lions Club in the effort to provide vision screenings and glasses to youths, Whitehurst said.

“We have a camera we take to the local schools and check pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, first- and third-grade eyesight,” he said. “Thanks to the proceeds from the shows, we can check for eye diseases and also help folks who can’t afford to buy glasses. Last year we screened over 4,000 kids in this area and we’re hopeful we can expand that number.”

Organizers said since 1917, the Lions Club has strengthened communities through humanitarian projects and hands-on service.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to know the Lions Club will help a child progress in life with a screening or glasses,” Whitehurst said. “We’re the largest non-profit service organization in the world, with 1.4 million members worldwide. Additionally, we give every third grader in this area a brand new dictionary every year, which is about 900 in number. It’s a good feeling to be able to help the kids as much as we can.”

Clovis resident Jeff Kellogg, who plans to attend one of this weekend’s sessions, said the gun show offers a dual purpose.

“When I go to the show I can check out all of the latest firearms while lending to a good cause at the same time,” he said. “I salute the Lions Club for their community service mindset, because the kids come out as the real winners.”