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NRA to take over annual event in Harrisburg

HARRISBURG (AP) – The National Rifle Association said Tuesday it was selected to run an outdoors show next year in Harrisburg, stepping in after organizers canceled a similar event in February because their assault weapons ban created an uproar.

The NRA said the nine-day event, to be held at the Farm Show Complex, will be called the Great American Outdoor Show.

The show will be the successor to the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, which drew a backlash and vendor boycott after organizers imposed a ban on assault weapons in the wake of the Connecticut school shooting.

The NRA said its show will feature shooting, hunting, fishing and boating.

NRA president David Keene, in Harrisburg for the announcement, said the organization would encourage firearms manufacturers to participate.

WHTM-TV said Keene envisions a national event that would include a country music concert and celebrity appearances. He said the contract was for two years but hoped to extend it after that.

The NRA beat out 16 other hopefuls to take over the show, which had been run by Reed Exhibitions

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