Celebrities join boycott of outdoor show (2024)

Exhibitors have been dropping out in what they say is a show of support for the Second Amendment.

Now the celebrities are following.

Several television personalities and expert hunters who were supposed to be on hand at the upcoming Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show to speak to attendees and sign autographs announced over the weekend they will join the growing boycott of the show slated for Feb. 2-10 at the State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, hosts of the television show "The Crush With Lee & Tiffany," lead the list of celebrities boycotting the show as a result of the announcement last week by show organizer Reed Exhibitions that assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines will not be allowed to be displayed or sold at the show this year.

The Lakoskys, deer hunters from Iowa who historically have drawn huge crowds at the Harrisburg show, were supposed to have their own dedicated area in the show's Northwest Hall.

"This was a hard decision, not because of the show and what they did, but that we won't have the opportunity to talk and shake hands with the fans that will be at the show," the Lakoskys stated on their Facebook page.

"But, we can't support a show that doesn't completely support the Second Amendment."

In a related move, Trop Gun Shop in Elizabethtown announced late Sunday that it plans to give away an AR rifle to those who support the businesses that boycott the show "in order to support other Second Amendment patriots who have also pulled out of the" Harrisburg show, Trop's Facebook page states.

Trop was supposed to have been a featured exhibitor in a newly created section of the show dedicated to tactical guns and accessories, according to a November press release from Reed.

No such area exists on the floor plan posted on the show's website, and Trop announced last week that it was pulling out of the show.

In announcing the show's ban on AR-style guns and ammunition magazines capable of holding 30 or more rounds, Reed issued the following statement:

"As a hunting-focused event, we welcome exhibitors who wish to showcase products and firearms that serve the traditional needs of the sport.

"Clearly, we strongly support the Second Amendment.

"However, this year we have made the decision not to include certain products that in the current climate may attract negative attention that would distract from the strong focus on hunting and fishing at this family-oriented event and possibly disrupt the broader positive experience of our guests."

That announcement drew heavy criticism, including separate statements from the National Rifle Association and National Shooting Sports Foundation, which both denounced Reed's decision.

And it has led to the continuing exodus of exhibitors and celebrities.

According to Trop's announcement, anyone who brings to the store a receipt of purchase from any boycotting exhibitor, dated during the week of the show, can enter the free drawing to win a Windham Weaponry AR - a rifle that is barred from being sold or displayed at the show.

"To be clear, this is a free, no purchase necessary, drawing," the announcement states. "But you must be of age and legally allowed to own a gun in order to enter or win.

"Let's stand strong together!"

Trop officials did not immediately return a reporter's phone call for comment Monday.

The show annually hosts more than 1,200 exhibitors throughout the Farm Show complex.

As of noon Monday, at least 57 had announced their plans not to appear, even though they each had already paid thousands of dollars in fees to Reed to be there.

Among those businesses is hunting and fishing retail giant Cabela's, which was one of the show's four main sponsors.

Locally, Lancaster Archery Supply, Kinsey's Outdoors in Mount Joy, Zook Cabins in Atglen and Trop all decided not to exhibit.

Besides the Lakoskys, other celebrities scheduled to appear at the show who have announced they will stay away include Jim Shockey, host of the television show "Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures," Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, hosts of "The Archers Choice" television show, Stan Potts, host of "North American Whitetail Television," world-famous bowhunter Fred Eichler and renowned deer hunter and television personality Larry Weishuhn.

Also vowing not to attend are Philadelphia Eagles defensive end and accomplished bowhunter Trent Cole, trick-shot archer and "Fear No Evil" television show host Chris Brackett, the cast of the "Major League Bowhunter" television show, which includes Chipper Jones, Matt Duff and Jeff Danker, and Abner Druckenmiller of FoxPro Game Calls.

None of the celebrities who announced on their Facebook pages and/or websites their plans to boycott the show had been removed from the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show website's list of "expert guests" as of noon Monday.

Also, they all still were featured on the extensive seminar schedule for each day of the show.

Reed officials did not immediately return a reporter's phone call for comment Monday.

preilly@lnpnews.com