The Gunmakers Fair at Kempton PA and the Summer Reception at Kempton
JULY 26, 27, & 28, 2024
The HCH Summer Reception will take place Friday, July 26 at 6 pm under the pavilion on the grounds of the Kempton Community Center (where the fair is held).
Reservations for the reception will be available on the Horn guild web site via PayPal or a printable, mail in registration form. A physical ticket will not be issued and admission is on an honor basis. The cost is $20 per person and reservations must be purchased no later than Wednesday, July 10 (all mail in applications must be received by July 10th). This is again the same location as the Gunmaker’s Fair, and the reception will again be catered by the Kempton Kitchen. The meal will be a dinner buffet that will include Salad Bar, pulled pork and pulled brisket with a selection of BBQ Sauces; rolls and butter, Mac-N-Cheese, Baked Beans and assorted desserts. Also available will be bottled water, soda and beer.
You can pay by US Mail (paper form) or by online payment and registration. See below.
We find ourselves rapidly approaching the third Annual Gumakers Fair at Kempton. As most of you probably know, the leadership behind this tremendous event is comprised of members from the four Charter Organizations: The National Muzzleloading Rifle Association, The Honourable Company of Horners, The Jacobsburg Historical Society and The PA Federation of Black Powder Shooters, Inc.
The variety of activities at this event come together to support the stated mission:
“Our mission is to preserve and present the art and industry of making early American muzzleloading firearms and accouterments. Bringing together artisans and crafts people that help create and support the gunmaking industry. Promote muzzleloading by giving seminars on topics such as gun making, horn making, bag making, gun collecting, match competition, hunting, historical re-enactments, and other educational based programs.”
Please visit the Event website at www.gunmakersfair.com to find more detailed information on the Fair including Lists of Living History Participants, Historical Demonstrators, Seminars and Vendors and specifics regarding the Judging of guns and accouterments entries in the annual competition.
One of the key activities at the Fair is the Gunmakers and Accouterments judging competition. The competition is limited to Muzzleloading and its associated Accouterments. Specific opportunities for horn work include: Decorated Horn, Miscellaneous (Horn) Accouterment, Pouch & Horn Combination; Undecorated Powder Horn along with a specific Junior Entry.
As it relates to those in the Horn Guild, this event continues to provide an outlet for experienced to novice builders to display their art, learn from experienced craftsmen, and improve their skills as a horn worker. For many of us, we can be our own worst critic to the point of being fearful of getting our work “out there” to be seen by others. I encourage you to get past that and take full advantage of the opportunity to have your work displayed, judged, and critiqued.
The Horn Guild will continue to be actively involved in the Fair at Kempton and will staff a tent with multiple displays including horn related items, horn guild merchandise for sale, members present to aid visitors and answer questions and as always to recruit new members. Help is always needed and appreciated to staff the Guild’s Tent. If you would like to assist in this capacity, please contact Clinton Byers at: hornandfiber@gmail.net. If you have any questions regarding the reception please contact Dan Shirey at Archer-59@comcast.net, or for questions on the raffle, Eric Borneman at: mdlonghunter@gmail.com.
Register and Pay for the Summer Reception