The Hobby Craft & Gun Show had a big return to Swift Current on the weekend.
The fall edition of the annual trade show had over 220 vendors take up tables at the Stockade Building. While no official head count was kept, founder and organizer of the HC&GS, Henry Banman, estimated somewhere over 2,000 people made it out over the course of Saturday and Sunday.
"My wife and I, we put in an awfully big pile of hours," said Banman. "But we've done it now since 1977."
This year, people came all the way from B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, and even from the United States, with some license plates bearing Montana and Washington registries.
This was the 59th edition of the HC&GS, with Banman having noted just how many people were appreciative of his and his wife's efforts in hosting the event.
"I really noticed this time that the attitude was that this is a phenomenal show," said Banman. "They were so taken by the show that they were giving it all kinds of precious names and praise. I heard more this time than I ever have before."
The next show will be the 60th edition, for which Banman is already planning. While he hasn't revealed his cards yet, he is planning for something special.
Banman highlighted the HC&GS as one of the three biggest trade shows in western Canada. It's his hope that, for the 60th edition, the City of Swift Current may offer sponsorship or congratulations to recognize the achievement.