Kurt Kleinstick of Strawberry Mountain Silver Smithing displays jewelry he's crafted from silverware at the Almost Spring Bazaar on Saturday in John Day.

The Strawberry Mountain Gun and Knife Show drew a large crowd last weekend at the Grant County Fairgrounds pavilion.

Next door, at Keerins Hall, shoppers were browsing and buying a variety of crafts, jewelry, lotions, candles, fruit, yard sale items and more.

“It’s been a huge success,” said fairgrounds manager Mindy Winegar. “The vendors and the community really like coming together at the bazaar and gun show.”

Bob Kerr of Canyon City, who was selling ammunition, gun parts and stock working tools, said he was a part of the group that started the gun show in 1993.

He said it was originally held as a fundraiser for the Grant County Shooting Sports Club.

“The small gun shows are the best because there is more camaraderie with the people,” he said. “You don’t have the pressure you do on the west side.”

Charles Baker of Mt. Vernon, a Grant County corrections deputy, found a 1979 Star Model BM 9-mm for his collection.

He said the pistol is modeled after the 1911 .45 Colt Commander.

“I enjoyed it,” he said. “I’m glad to see that we can still enjoy our constitutional rights.”

He added, “It’s more of a community event where we can all get together with our families and share stories and ideas — and the burgers are good.”

Mara Houck of Canyon City, Grant County deputy district attorney, said this was her first gun show.

“I was interested in seeing what’s at a show like this and seeing the guns in person instead of on the internet,” she said.

Ken Larson of Bear Valley was selling guns, holsters, scopes and ammunition.

“— anything gun related,” he said. “I try to have something for everybody.”

He said he’s been to nearly all the local gun and knife shows.

“It’s a good way to visit with all the local people and touch base with them,” he said.