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Gun, knife enthusiasts enjoy annual show at The Pavilion in Marion

Marion - If guns or knives are your hobby, you probably would have enjoyed spending time in Marion over the weekend where a two-day gun and knife show was held at The Pavilion of The City of Marion.

Marion has become a regular stop for a group calling themselves ECA Hunting and Trade Shows several times a year and the response by area hunters, hobbyists and outdoor enthusiasts has proven to be a great incentive for making Marion a popular show date.

In addition to a majority of vendor tables offering a wide selection of guns and knives of all kinds, this latest show also offered a few rather unique items for sale.

Among them was Ted Guinzy of DuBois who makes and sells some very unusual table and desk lamps, including deer antlers that he collects locally.

"I actually started making these while recovering from a battle against cancer and they became so popular with family and friends that I decided to set up at this show," he said.

Not a bad idea either as a lot of people were spotted stopping to look over his antler lamps, putting a smile on Guinzy's face.

Among them was Ted Heidner of Herrin who brought his two grandsons with him to the show. He said that the boys love target shooting and the oldest, William, 12, loves deer hunting. Hearing that, the youngster said,"I got my first deer last year!"

When asked who was the better shot of the two, 10-year-old brother, Luke responded, "Right now, William is better than me, but not by much."

Meanwhile, a few rows over, Sesser resident Donnie Robbins was enjoying talking about the old days and sharing that each still remembered his first firearm as a child with vendor Charles Johnson from Joppa.

"I really got interested in guns when I was 8 years old and my parents gave me a Winchester 1894 Model BB gun for Christmas," Johnson said. "I've enjoyed the hobby ever since."

When asked if he remembered what he did that Christmas morning he got his first gun, Johnson grinned and replied, "Yes I do. The first thing I did that day was shoot birds out of my aunt's cherry tree."

Ted Heidner and his grandsons, William and Luke, checked out the booth of Ted Guinzy and his handmade antler lamps at this past weekend's gun and knife show. Ceasar Maragni photo