Just two weeks ago, we commented on how odds were in favor of the NRA Annual Meeting and Expo going on. Well, dangit, it ain’t happenin’ now. I have to admit I get it. As far as close-proximity crowd events go, the NRA Expo hall is akin to a larger version of a Rolling Stones concert in the standing-room-only Charleston Music Farm venue. Love it or hate it, attendees will be rubbing shoulders and sharing sneezes with tens of thousands of strangers. If you haven’t been before, imagine standing in a phone booth and trying to walk with seven of your closest friends. It’s that crowded.
The NRA just released a statement outlining its reasons for the last-minute cancelation of the September 3-5, 2021 event scheduled to take place in Houston, TX. Here’s the full Monty…
FAIRFAX, Va. – Due to concern over the safety of our NRA family and community, we regret to inform you that we have decided to cancel the 2021 Annual Meeting & Exhibits. This cancellation applies to all events and meetings that were scheduled in Houston. We will provide future notification regarding a rescheduled date for the annual Meeting of Members.
We make this difficult decision after analyzing relevant data regarding COVID-19 in Harris County, Texas. We also consulted with medical professionals, local officials, major sponsors & exhibitors, and many NRA members before arriving at this decision. The NRA Annual Meeting welcomes tens of thousands of people, and involves many events, meetings, and social gatherings. Among the highlights of our annual meeting are acres of exhibit space featuring the latest and greatest firearms, the display of countless accessories, and the offering of adventures and group gatherings that many travel hundreds, and some even thousands, of miles to experience. We realize that it would prove difficult, if not impossible, to offer the full guest experience that our NRA members deserve.
The NRA’s top priority is ensuring the health and well-being of our members, staff, sponsors, and supporters. We are mindful that NRA Annual Meeting patrons will return home to family, friends and co-workers from all over the country, so any impacts from the virus could have broader implications. Those are among the reasons why we decided to cancel our 2021 event.
We would like to thank our members, attendees, exhibitors, and staff for their understanding and support. We are grateful for the many contributions of the George R. Brown Convention Center, state and local officials, community organizers, area hotels, and countless event venues across Houston. We receive enormous support from Houston and the State of Texas – and we hope to return to the Bayou City for a full annual meeting experience.
The NRA looks forward to a Celebration of Freedom in Louisville in May 2022. In the meantime, we will support many other NRA local events and smaller gatherings – in a manner that is protective of our members and celebrates our Second Amendment freedom.
We wish continued health and safety to our entire NRA family.
What’s next? With COVID Delta variant breakouts occurring all across the country I fear the last-minute cancelations are just beginning. Hang on to your shorts and prepare for more recreational time in the comfort of your own home. Maybe it’s time to invest in some new airguns and concoct your own version of the COVID Airgun Games.