For a couple of decades, a half dozen of us from the area have had a tradition of going to 6 or 8 shows a winter within a 150 mile radius of our location in West central Minnesota. The price of admission has been steadily increasing, but I find that a minor irritation. What bothers me, is the way variety has slipped. The shows are sadly lacking the old, interesting, and historical artifacts and weapons that were so prevalent until a couple of years ago. Where there used to be metric tons of things that I like to look at and deal on, there is now a vast assortment of paramilitary items, military weapons, black plastic auto loading handguns, and custom knives,knives,and more knives. The dealers are no longer fun to haggle with, but rather tend to get a little testy if you even try to dicker. A year ago I noticed that most of my favorite guys, who understood the necessity of pricing their items so they had room for horse trading and dickering, were absent. Even more of them are no longer present this winter. I have thought about it, and the reasons for this are apparent. THEY CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO BE THERE ! Several of them crossed two, three, or even four state lines to bring their displays to the shows. The vehicles required to move their mountain of merchandise aren't capable of economy, and with $2 plus fuel costs, lodging for two or three nights, eating out for three days, and near $100 per table fees given to show sponsors(many dealers have as many as 6 to 10 tables), etc., they just can't sell enough stuff to justify being there. They sure can't offer "bargains" anymore. GB is right right when he points out rising expense for promotors, but when you consider the large per table fee on a 700 table show, coupled with $5 to $15 admission fees and $2.50 coffee with a $5 hot dog, one gets the feeling they are gouging, just a little. As jh45gun points out, shows are a great place to purchase your reloading and gun care supplies, but even those dealers are becoming fewer. I have come to the conclusion that Bam Bams and Glanceblamm have hit it right on the head when they say we may be witnessing the demise of the gun show. The anti-s are winning the Gun Show issue by attrition, and the ball is in the sponsors court. It is up to the promotors to stop choking the goose that is laying the golden egg for them.