Crossroads of the West Gun Show returns to OC fairgrounds, but plans for future are uncertain
The Crossroads of the West Gun Show reopened its doors at the OC fairgrounds Friday for a three-day event, to the enjoyment of firearms hobbyists and collectors who have endured a 14-month pause to the long-held Costa Mesa tradition.
Operated by the Orange County Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa’s OC Fairgrounds has hosted shows through the Utah-based outfit for the past 25 years, earning a cumulative $6.66 million from the agreement, officials report.
But that and other traditions were put on hold once pandemic restrictions prohibiting large gatherings were put into place and residents were forced to stay inside their homes. Since Orange County was moved on March 14 to a less restrictive “red” reopening tier, several smaller events have been able to come back online with caps on attendance and precautions in place.
The last Crossroads show to be held on the fairgrounds took place in January 2020. This weekend’s show, approved by OCFEC board members during a February meeting, is the only gun show sanctioned so far this year, officials confirmed Friday.
It comes as one politician, state Sen. Dave Min (D-Irvine), attempts to gain support for Senate Bill 264, a proposal that would prohibit any state officer or employee, as well as anyone licensed to use any state-held property from allowing or contracting for the sale of any firearm or ammunition on that property.
Since the OC fairgrounds and OCFEC function as part of the state’s District Agricultural Association, such legislation, should it pass, could effectively put an end to gun shows hosted by Crossroads of the West.
SB 264 on Wednesday was referred to the Senate’s Governance and Finance Committee, which considers pieces of legislation pertaining to special districts.
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