***GTA Fun Shoot/Airgun Show 2015***

[ezman604]

Check your calendars and make your plans to attend airgun history!!! The annual GTA Fun Shoot will be a little different this time. The site is Gallatin County KY Fairgrounds, thanks to Hargis Davis (CEO of the fairgrounds). We have set the dates of 15-16-17 May 2015. Below is a sneak peek at the layout. I'll be adding information as it becomes available. I have been in contact with all of our GTA vendors as well as several that are not members yet. This event should take our annual event OVER the top!!! I hope all of you can attend. It can only be as good as WE make it. Here is the message I sent out to our vendors.

Well, Joe, Rich and myself made a 12 hour round trip up to view the proposed site for the GTA Fun Shoot 2015. We were impressed with what Hargis Davis has to offer us. We honestly feel this could be one of the best events ever for the airgun community. Be advised, we are planning and we have the possibility to take this where WE want to. I will need all of your help to make this work for everyone. I wanted to give you a sneak peek at this. What I would need from you is an idea if you are interested and possibly will attend the event. Please vote in the poll above to help us get a rough head count. We are gathering as always, to have fun, see old friends and shoot/swap/buy/sell airguns. But I see this venue and event in my mind as an annual airgun show also. A place to highlight our vendor products and let the airgun community meet and greet them. Please keep in mind a few things as you view these pictures. This is a relatively new fairgrounds. It is a work in progress. Hargis has grants from the NRA and the parks department to finish the shooting facilities WELL before our event. It is also off season and certain parts are a bit grown up. He has assured us this is no problem at all. This is the smallest county in KY and he has connections/family/friends in all departments of local government to get anything he needs at a moments notice.
First off, we looked at the calendar and decided on the dates of 15-16-17 May 2015 for the event. We tried to pick a date when the weather was not too hot or cold and did not coincide with the annual NRA event nor the large Arkansas airgun show. And did not fall on Mother's Day either, like last year.
The location is the Gallatin County KY Fairgrounds outside Glenco, KY. We feel it is more centrally located and should be accessible to a larger number of our members, vendors and the general public.
https://gallatin.ca.uky.edu/CountyFair
See it on Google Maps here...https://www.google.com/maps/search/Gallatin+County+KY+Fairgrounds/@38.7607755,-84.8418065,11z/data=!3m1!4b1

There are 22 full RV connection spots with city water, electricity and a dumping station. One of the first things I need to know after you decide to come, is if you will require one of these 22 spots. I'll reserve on a first ask basis.



There are spots for camping also if our members want to pitch a tent. Campfires are welcome and Hargis may supply wood for those. If he doesn't bring in a truck load, folks will be responsible for their own wood. Only stipulations are the wood must be bought locally and pits dug but filled back in before leaving. Not a lot to ask, in my opinion. I could enjoy sitting around a campfire and chatting in the evening myself.
There is a new concession area that is temperature controlled and has a full commercial kitchen, nice bathrooms and the ability to seat 75.







Our vision is to let you our vendors have first dibs on setting up inside this area. There ARE two more locations we can and probably will use for setting up vendors and displays. There is a pavilion that also has temperature controlled space as well as two trailers that are for displays. The pavilion is in the middle left of this picture.



The pavilion area is away from the main area and may work to an advantage to getting folks to mill around and walk around to different areas. Will just have to see about the layout as requests for space come in.
These trailers below are just in front of the 15 place firing line that is being constructed. So some vendors may prefer to hang a banner there and be close to the action with your wares!!!
Another thought is to let our members that are also craftsmen, set up a table to sell their items. Thoughts on that? Could be our way of supporting the many skilled members we have and help them along the way if they decide to become official vendors.

 

This is the area where a 15 place covered range will be situated.



The firing line will be covered 60' across by 14' deep. With shooting benches. There will also be NRA certified instructors/local LE personnel as range safety officers all over the premises. And also, armed security throughout the event, just in case.

I have spoken with Crosman and their shooting event coordinator (Mark DeBoard) and he has assured me they will attend. Our plans are for Crosman to have this shooting lane to use as a FT clinic and allow folks to shoot airguns they have only seen or heard about. And to introduce folks to FT shooting. We can rotate different groups through this part of the course throughout the event and also allow other vendors/manufacturers to use the course for a similar clinic or friendly competition.

The main FUN firing line will be directly behind the concession area.




This area will be under Army surplus mess tents to have a covered firing line. The line will be approximately 100' in length by as long as we need for targets. Targets will be set up at ranges from 10 meters to possibly 200 yards. One idea we are tossing out is a 200 yard competition. And yes, big bores are allowed and welcome. But an idea we are tossing around is a steel plate at 200 yards, or a bell. Ring it with one shot and win $10.
We are also planning, thanks to Hargis, a poker shoot. Possibly 10 rounds with $100 prize per round winner. Hargis has volunteered $1000 prize money to boost a shooting competition. Oh, I failed to mention Hargis is an AVID shooter. In fact, this facility will host the national black powder association tournament.
We will also have a 10m to 100 yard covered area under this barn.



This can be used for demos or some type of shooting competition also. ALL areas will be monitored and scheduled for safety purposes. One area may be shut down and off limits while another is in use. But we envision rotating folks through events they may be interested in, sorta like a fair.
We also have one other lane we can set up for whatever we want. It is set at the moment for dirt drag racing. Hard to see the whole thing, but far left of the picture.



A few other things that will help make this a great event. Hargis will have concessions going all the time. With the possible exception of breakfast. IF enough participants want breakfast, they will cook for that also. Prices are VERY reasonable. We will put together a menu and an entire event itinerary/information packet as we move along in the planning. The Fun Shoot always has at least one meal the forum supplies. That is generally the Saturday lunch meal. Hargis has agreed to have his folks prepare this meal but we supply the food. I am tossing the idea around of bringing my smoker and doing Boston Butts again. The last time I did them.....WOW they were good if I do say so myself. LOL
But hey, I just put them in the smoker, fired it up, dropped my hickory in the back and walked away. Even with my messing with it the food was still great.
Within 17 miles there are tons of hotels and restaurants of all types. Hargis is getting a discount code for us from the Ramada Inn less than 10 miles away at exit 44 on I-71. I'll post that as soon as he gets it to me. But he says he can get several hotels to give a discount for the fairground events, not a problem. So, there is plenty of eats and sleeps within a 17 miles radius.
The KY Speedway is just down the highway.
Within 15 miles in Indiana is a resort/casino. My wife and I plan on making a one day trip there also.
We get to visit a casino once every 5 or so years. I just like to visit other places just to see and say I've been there. I'm not a big gambler and never win anything significant anyway.

So, I would like you to check your calendars and please get back with me as soon as you can with your thoughts and commitment. I need to know if you would want to help make airgun history and help bring the airgun community together for Fun Shoot/Airgun Show 2015. I hope this will take off and be the event everyone will be talking about and making plans for the following year.
Oh, before closing, one last bit of info.
Hargis has UAV aircraft and makes videos. He has shot some of the fairgrounds and it's posted on YouTube. His wife, who is also an executive of the fairgrounds committee, runs a video service. Hargis has agreed to video the event and even has the capability and desire to live stream it. Wow...
And has connections with and will invite all of the local media to come out to the event. This will give a LOT of exposure to any vendor that attends. And the beauty of this event is Hargis has agreed to do this at no cost to GTA. He is just that involved in promoting the fairgrounds and shooting events. So you can all see this event has great potential. But it will not be the event we envision without YOUR help. Please make plans and let's take this event off the charts!!!!
We will have several airgun vendors and hopefully Crosman, Air Venturi and Pyramyd Air. I have also received confirmation from several of out GTA vendors that would not miss this event. 
Thanks all and hope to see you at the GTA Fun Shoot/Airgun Show 2015!!!!

Dave & Team GTA

[Rocker1]

  Im in Dez , This could be our biggest shoot yet. Hope all the members can go. Looking forward to meeting these guys.   David

[Geoff]

Fan freaking tastic,  I will be there unless something major stops me.

[airgunwarriors]

Man, that has to be one of the finest areas for a Fun-Shoot Event, not to mention the facilities. Happens to fall on the weekend of my 21rst b-day , Pretty sure I can convince the Wife to let me go.

I agree, with a location like that, this could grow or become the premiere Air-Gunning Fun-Shoot Event.

Great job to those that made this location accessible for the annual GTA Fun-Shoot, Thanks!

Respectfully,

Al.
(AGW)

[uglymike]

I live in Nebraska and would love to go. Anybody want to carpool/share expenses?

[Joe Shooter]

Looking forward to this...I have not been to one before.
Not to jump the gun or seem impatient...but, whenever possible, please post an itinerary of events, and rules for all of the shooting events.
Thanks

[gof]

This looks like a really nice idea and nice event.

I hope that e-mail reminders are sent out prior to the event as I never know what my schedule might be.

[Pappy]

I have penciled this in for me and my son-in-law .... only 5 hour drive for me, lots of hotels, Cinnci close by, restaurants, etc.  Unless something unexpected turns up .... I expect t be their.  Sounds great, and this would be my first fun shoot attendance.  Looking forward to putting a face to the GTA members attending.

Dave & GTA Team responsible for all the logistics .... Thank you!

Pappy

[ancient1one]

Fan freaking tastic,  I will be there unless something major stops me.

660 miles away? Read above..

[Tater]

This event sounds awesome. The NC shoot was too far but this is only 6 hours away. Me and my wife will do everything we can to get there. I definitely don't want to miss it and she's already on board.
Looks like a perfect wide open area for it and nice amenities too.

[ezman604]

I would like to add a note of thanks to those that offered areas for us to consider. And there were a few. MANY thanks for the offers, I have your names and locations written down. This one is just a bit more centrally located. We will see how this event goes before making plans for future events. We may revisit your offers.

[sippy99]

I would LOVE to attend, but unfortunately, I am being placed on emergency orders to south Korea! I hope you guys will be holding another event in the near future.

[454 Big Block Chevy]

holy smokes!!!

[Be Ready]

Are you kidding.... 1 1/2 up the road... Count me in!! 

[Be Ready]

FYI... The first Saturday in May is the Running of the Kentucky Derby. Hotels might get booked pretty fast. This shoot and Churchill Downs are only an hour apart. Book your stay early and as far from Louisville as you can. Another money saver would be "DO NOT" buy your gas here in Louisville if your passing through.... We pay 20-30 cents more per gallon here than surrounding Counties. Get yours outside of Louisville and save $. 

[Big Tim]

Wow. It sounds awesome! Can't wait! 

[Be Ready]

Are you kidding.... Hour and 1/2 up the road... Count me in!! 

[rockgrabber]

FYI... The first Saturday in May is the Running of the Kentucky Derby. Hotels might get booked pretty fast. This shoot and Churchill Downs are only an hour apart. Book your stay early and as far from Louisville as you can. Another money saver would be "DO NOT" buy your gas here in Louisville if your passing through.... We pay 20-30 cents more per gallon here than surrounding Counties. Get yours outside of Louisville and save $. 

Thanks for the heads up.

[Bullit]

Dave and Everyone who needs to talk the "Mrs." into the trip.....
This is a fine location with shopping trips within 1/2 hour to both Louisville and Cinnci.  The beauty in this is that it is "Derby Weekend" in Louisville....NO large crowds.   Closer to y'all (Shelbyville), is a big antique mall and flea market.
 Cinnci has some major outlets and a BassProShops in the same place etc...as well as the same setup, just across the river north from Louisville.  An easy Drop off the Gals and "See Ya in a Couple Hours" Deal !

Secondly, and really close by...you are just a few miles from the little city of Carrolton.   The "General Butler State Park" is a great one.  The lodge and restaurant is very warm and nice to sit and enjoy the daily buffets, or a warm cup at the table.
Sit and look out the window to watch the treetops and look down on the Ohio River!   Theres also a few small shops to visit.  I'm sure they'll luv to see a group of Gals come visit them!   
 Anyway Guys...anything to make it better for you guys.  She won't regret it. 

[ezman604]

Mike, thanks for the info. As for me, there's no problem. Although she has not been afflicted with the same airgun sickness as me, she travels with me so I need no excuses. BUT, good point. She may want to skip out for a while to shop. Uh oh....there goes my pay check. LOL
It's definitely an area with lots of things to do, places to see, stay and eat. I think a REALLY good location. We will see.
Word of warning, when traveling the highways and interstates around there, BE VERY AWARE of the deer. We counted almost one traffic victim every other mile. I bet the insurance companies and body shops in the area do a great business.