Shows Cancel in Wake of Hurricane Florence Impact on East Coast
September 12, 2018
Several shows have canceled at convention centers expected to be impacted by Hurricane Florence, which is projected to make landfall in the Carolinas as a Category 3 or 4 storm on Friday morning.
The National Rifle Association has canceled the second annual NRA Carry Guard Expo, scheduled for Sept. 14-16, 2018 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va., due to the impending threat of severe weather associated with Hurricane Florence.
“The cancellation was made in the interest of public safety due to the forecasted arrival of Category 4 Hurricane Florence in the mid-Atlantic region this forthcoming weekend, and the resulting declaration of a State of Emergency by the Governor of Virginia,” NRA show organizers said.
They added, “This decision required careful deliberation and concern for the safety of attendees, exhibitors and others involved with the event.
Customers who purchased event tickets or tickets to paid workshops will receive refunds for their purchases.
“Despite this major weather event being beyond human control, the NRA regrets any inconvenience caused by this decision,” NRA show organizers said. “We look forward to welcoming guests and exhibitors next year to the 2019 NRA Carry Guard Expo, scheduled for Sept. 6-8, 2019, in Fort Worth, Texas.”
In North Carolina, the state in which Hurricane Florence is projected to make a direct hit, the Downtown Raleigh Home Show also has canceled.
The show was expected to run Sept. 14-16 at the Raleigh Convention Center. Show organizers said tickets can be used at other upcoming shows, refunded or donated to Habitat for Humanity.
In Wilmington, N.C., which is on the coast literally in the bullseye of the hurricane, there currently are no shows scheduled at the city’s convention center.
There also are no shows currently scheduled in Charleston, S.C., another city expected to be impacted, however the Monroe Hardware Fall Dealer’s Market has, which was expected to run Sept. 15-16 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
The SER of the WOCN® Society 42nd Annual Conference, on tap next week in Myrtle Beach, currently still is scheduled to be held according to the event’s site, but they are monitoring the potential hurricane impact.
The Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center is further inland and plans to still hold the Southern States Showcase Sept. 18-20, according to its web site.
Please follow @TSNN_com_US and TSNN_Rachel for updates.
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