We had a great time at Saturday night's sold-out Chester County Friends of the NRA banquet at the Red Clay Room in Kennett.
I know nothing about guns. The only shooting I've ever done is with my brother's BB gun, plinking tin cans lined up on a fence. But I have some friends who are avid hunters, target shooters and collectors, and they were certainly in their element, discussing everything gun-related, from Henrys and reticles to the challenges of being a left-handed shooter.
Through these nationwide banquets, the Friends of the NRA raises money for gun safety and shooting programs, and they are extremely skilled at separating people from their money. There are silent auctions, live auctions, and lots of gun raffles (most were $20 a chance), with winners drawn throughout the evening. (Of course, all the necessary background checks are done before the winner gets to take possession.)
One friend, a big Clint Eastwood fan, was the successful bidder on some "Dirty Harry" memorabilia. Another member of our party had a winning ticket and got his pick of a weapon from the "Wall of Guns" display. When they called out his ticket number, we all shrieked in excitement.
"Wow. I think they're happy," commented the master of ceremonies.
We were outshouted only by the men from Table 16 when they won the "table lottery," which mean they each won a gun.
Oh, there was a hearty dinner, too: salad, roasted potatoes, green beans and carrots, pasta, chicken marsala, meatballs and roast beef. They brought plates of goodies around for dessert. Our table host, from West Grove, was celebrating his birthday, so another guest brought gluten-free chocolate cupcakes that she made with beet and butternut squash puree.
One thing you learn from attending this banquet: don't stereotype gun enthusiasts.
No comments:
Post a Comment