The 2016 B.C. Road and Gun Show went ahead this weekend in Cloverdale despite almost being cancelled.
“On Monday night the security plan had yet to be reviewed by the local RCMP so until that portion of it is complete it remains an application in process,” said Surrey Mayor Lidna Hepner.
A compromise was reached, but organizers say they were forced to make an unpopular decision.
The catch to get approved — handgun and ammunition sales won’t be allowed.
Those taking part in this weekend’s event feel like the city made the move in response to the more than 30 shootings in Surrey this year alone.
READ MORE: Surrey residents on edge after third shooting in 3 days
Many of those shootings are gang related, which organizers of the gun show say has nothing to do with law-abiding gun owners.
“We feel picked on. It’s very unfair. It was a sneaky move they move,” said Dennis Robinson of Thunderbird Fast Draw Club.
“Do we see gangsters in here?” asked Ramon Holmgren, “To lay the blame on a bunch of avid hunters and sportsmen and shooters…we obey the law.”
A petition calling for the return of handguns and bullets next year will be delivered to Surrey council once the show wraps up.