We had a wonderful time on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at the annual Gemmer Family Picnic. The BBQ and all the sides were delicious! We had our Last Relay for Joe Riggs and Raymond Post. Thank you to everyone that attended!
We successfully completed the 2nd of 4 Hawken Classic events last month. The weather didn’t cooperate again this year, but the event was a huge success and we appreciate all the vendors, seminar speakers, and visitors. I heard nothing but positive comments from everyone I spoke to about the event, including many employees of the Parks Department.
Now for the bad news:
The St. Charles County Parks Department has decided that they do not want to host the Hawken Classic at the Daniel Boone Home any longer. They offered a one day shooting event, but this will not work for our vendors and participants. Event though we had a verbal commitment from them to host the event for all 4 years leading up to the 2025 anniversary they have decided they do not want to honor that commitment. We will begin looking for a venue that wants to share the wonderful history of St. Louis, The Hawken Shop, and the J & S Hawken rifle with the public. Please stay tuned for details as to how this event will continue.
One huge positive that resulted I believe at least partially due to the Hawken Classic is the Missouri State Rifle was named as the Hawken Rifle. Thank you to all that supported this effort and the overall effort of the Hawken Classic Event.
Shot off the bench with targets at 100 yards. We had 25 shooters, shooting 35 matches. We had a few guest shooting with us again: Connor Whalen, John Ross, and Robert Downs. 50/50: Tom Goden $60 and Schutzen Black Powder Giveaway: Rick Weeks and Bob Vogt