Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But firearms are so delightful…
That’s the song they’ll be singin’ at the Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range in Sandy Springs, Georgia as families show up to participate in their “Pictures with Santa” event on Saturday in which Santa Claus and those posing are encouraged to brandish firearms.
“Come one, come all!” the invitation begins. “What better way to express your holiday spirit, passion for firearms and help support our community than a picture with Santa at the Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range,” it continues. “You will receive one free photo magnet of your picture with Santa and will be able to download your pictures online.”
Before you get too excited, the invite points out that “This is a free, *non-shooting event; however, we will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items for the Sandy Springs Community Assistance Center.”
And don’t worry, your safety is VERY important! “All firearms available for the photo opportunity have been inspected, unloaded and deactivated for safety,” the footnote reads. “We’re not trying to treat guns like toys,” range co-owner Robyn Workman Marzullo tells WSBTV. “It’s not trying to send a message,” Marzullo adds. “It’s just about having a good time, getting into the holiday spirit and giving back to the community.”
The Saint Nicholas firearm festival does have its restrictions, however. Although children and minors will be allowed to pose, only those over 18 years of age will be allowed to brandish weapons for the camera. Also, children under twelve will not be allowed to venture further than the front lobby. Oh, and it’s also not a BYOB (Bring You Own Bazooka) event. “The use of personal firearms will not be permitted,” the invitation points out. From what I can tell, the weapons options include an AK-47, AR-15 and FN-SCAR-17.
Here’s a video report from WSBTV:
I feel I should iterate that this is also a fundraising event for the Sandy Springs Community Assistance Center and those attending are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items. A full list of the items needed to stock their pantry can be found at www.ourcac.org.
Not from Georgia? No worries, the Gunta Claus phenomenon is nothing new and may be happening at a gun range near you! The Scottsdale Gun Club in Scottsdale, AZ has been doing it for a few years now:
