FNRA Banquet Set For March 2

February 20, 2013

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Organizers of the Friends of the NRA are gearing up for their 20th annual Five States Banquet March 2 at the Texas County Activity Center, Fifth and Sunset streets in Guymon.
The event has been touted in the past as the second largest event of its kind, coming in second only to one in the Tulsa area.
Organizers host an estimated 600 at the local event each year, drawing attendees from Texas, Oklahoma, Mexico, Kansas and Colorado.
Each year, volunteers work hard to ensure there is plenty of good food, fun and games in store for those who attend and this year promises to be no different.
However, there is a larger purpose - to aid in the preservation of the right to bear arms and many other programs.
According to organizers, “the right to bear arms is a constitutional right.”
Proceeds from the annual local banquet benefit the NRA Foundation, an organization that funds activities like youth programs, promoting firearm and hunting safety, marksmanship, and public firearm education.
A common misconception about the NRA is that all the members are hunters.
However, many of the members are target shooters and don’t ever hunt.
Organizers say more than 77 percent of banquet-generated funds stay in the community through youth-related gun-safety activities..
The public may begin viewing items up for auction when doors open at 5 p.m.
Games will also begin at 5 p.m.
The banquet begins at 7 p.m., catered by Kim’s Ribs. The live auction will follow at 8 p.m.
Advance banquet tickets are $35 per couple, or $25 for singles. Tickets will be available at the door for $40 per couple and $30 for singles. Youth tickets (for those 17 and younger) are $10.
There will be Daisy Red Ryder BB guns for kids ages 4 through 13.
Those who purchase their tickets prior to Thursday will be automatically entered in the early bird drawing.
Also, ask any member about the special “pre-event” drawing tickets.
For tickets or more information, call Committee Chairman Greg Starr at (580) 461-1235; Lynn Long, (580) 338-6508; Larry Wiggins, (580) 338-7187; Chris Hinchey, (580) 338-8423; or Billy Eagan, (580) 338-2444.