Preparing for the Cortez Gun Show, which figures to be the largest event in Montezuma County history, the Cortez City Council proclaimed the fourth week of April to be “Southwest Colorado Sportsman’s Week.”

Speaking before the Council on March 11, Gun Show event manager Steve Blackwell emphasized that this year’s gun show will be about more than just guns.

“This year’s gun show is not just a gun show,” said Blackwell. “It is an event.”

Scheduled to take place at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds April 25-27, this year’s show could feature 300 venders from around the country. In addition to offering guns and outdoor gear, venders will sell boats, campers, cargo trailers, tractors and more.

This year’s Gun Show will also host a car show with more than 100 cars and a fast-draw demonstration and program. Local youth groups will be on hand to fundraise and city and county political candidates will be on hand.

“We’ve gone past a gun show,” said Blackwell. “The whole community is jumping in and getting involved.”

The Cortez Gun Show will offer tables for 55 dollars, which includes all three days.

Admission to the show will be five dollars and children under the age of 12 will be admitted free.

For vender information, contact Steve Blackwell at 970-749-9772 or 970-565-8300. Blackwell can also be reached by email at swblackwell@msn.com.