June 2, 2009

Pier 57, 7376 Oswego Road, Liverpool, NY 13090

Dear Mr. Bill Ennis,

               For the past four years we had been visiting your restaurant at least once a weekend and sometimes twice, when we stay in Syracuse for the Gun Show at the Fair Grounds held during April and September.  We’ve always had great meals except when we were there this past April.

              Over the several times we dined in your restaurant, my husband David talked with you about his desire to open a restaurant and you talked back and forth about what makes customers happy and what turns them off.

               On April 17^th, a Friday, I saw a special on your board as we entered; Seafood Provencale with crab meat, scallops, shrimp and fresh clams.  When it arrived I knew after tasting a few bites that it was not real crab meat.  It took us some time to summon our waiter to ask if he knew whether the crab meat was real or imitation and he could only tell us what it said on your specials sign.  By the time we were able to speak with you and get a definitive answer, my husband was three quarters finished with his meal and I was very unhappy with mine.  Although you offered to replace my meal, it was a little too late for that.  When my husband went to pay the bill and mentioned again that it was my first disappointing meal there, you committed the ultimate sin in our book and told him “Everyone loves it!”  To me that states that there is something wrong with me and my taste buds.

               If it had stated on your specials board that the crab meat was imitation I never would have ordered that dish.  What if I was allergic to imitation crab and went into anaphylactic shock?

               I assume our business doesn’t matter to you because we are only in the area twice a year but unhappy customers are certainly not good advertising.

               There are hundreds of dealers at the Syracuse show, all looking for good restaurants for Friday and Saturday nights.  We used to recommend your Pier 57 without a worry about how the meals would be.  As a matter of fact, our daughter and her family are out in Syracuse every summer for basketball tournaments and have also eaten there bringing 20 to 30 people with them; I know they won’t be there this year.  My theory is, when something is good I let people know about it and I do the same when I’m disappointed.  We travel a lot, stay in many hotels and motels and eat in many restaurants.

               This has bothered me for over a month now and I had to let you know how disappointed I am about how the situation was treated.  A free dessert offered is not quite the same as a fine meal missed and time wasted, never to be recovered.

Disappointed,  Cathy Petronis

(No response to this letter as of July 24, 2009)   

New Revived Gun Show ~ Utica Auditorium ~ Revived after 18 Years

April 4, 5, 2009

Our first two shows went very well and now on to our next event, same price schedule for tables in August.  Our first show in April had about 175 tables on the floor that quality dealers covered with great guns. A bit over 2000 people came in plus members.  A little scary on opening Saturday AM because of an insurance rider snafu but all was worked out and a crowd of around 500 rushed in at 9:45. The next show in August was about the same but a little light on the crowd because of the beautiful weather after all the rain. We are also seeking to expand April into a Sportsman Show on the upper gallery.  Booth space for around $175.00 ... guides, clubs, boats, outdoor equipment, etc. ..call 518-664-9743.

We have about 325, 8 foot table capacity in Utica, NY at the AUD plus 40 8'x10' booths 

You never know who will stop by at one of our shows...

Last Saratoga Springs, NY Arms Fair & Convention Dinner and Auction

December 21, 22, 23, 2007 ~

 250 8' tables

~ We are planning a very nice after Holiday Event for our Members see our new Member Letter. 

Plus our Convention Party at The Saratoga Hilton Hotel ~ Also See  Auction Listing

Friday is for NEACA Members ~ JOIN

Saratoga Springs City Center, Broadway (Route 9)

This Year's event was on

 January 2, 3, 4, 2009

It is after Christmas and New Year's and should be a great show for sales and for buying.  Special hotel rate of $75.00 for show exhibitors who are also going to our Party on Saturday the 3rd. We expect around 150 Members and Guests.  Party starts at 6PM with Silent Auction and Dinner at 7PM ~ Live Gun and Collector Auction about 8PM.  Then some fun with games and raffles.  Get your tickets early at $35.00 each and make Hotel Reservation for $75.00 next door at adjoining hotel.  Party in The Hilton Hotel at Saratoga Ballroom.

Unfortunately we have had to CANCEL the Dinner & Auction

But the January weekend show went on and it was fantastic!

Show NEWS

Again was at the Holiday Inn Turf, Rt. 9, Lake George on Sunday, February 10th, 2008 ~ This year will be at the same place on Sunday February 8, 2009

Had a New Gun Show: Amsterdam, NY ~ Pasqualli's Restaurant & Conference Center in America's Best Inn, 10 Market Street (Formerly Holiday Inn)

Held on ~ September *7, 8, 9, 2007 ~

Foothills of the Adirondacks ~ Download Flier

Last Show in ~ Plattsburgh, NY

Gun Show

 June *1, 2, 3, 2007

 VFW Post #125,  116 Boynton Avenue

Download Plattsburgh Flier

Route I-87 to Exit 38, Right on to Boynton Ave., VFW on Rt.

US Congressman John E. Sweeney

United States Congressman John Sweeney, Republican, stopped in to say hello to Dave and Cathy Petronis at this past August NEACA Arms Fair at the Saratoga Springs City Center.  He is an avid Second Amendment Rights supporter and John deserves the support in this coming November election from all New York State voters and gun owners.  Naturally our grand-kids, Kristin and Megan Bazar of Mechanicville were not going to be left out of the photos.  If my girls and your own future family off-spring are going to be able to hunt and have a place to shoot we need to support today's pro-gun candidates and elected officials. John represents the 20th NY Congressional District and you can show your support by calling his office at 518-371-8839 and say "Thank You" for his gun rights stance.  And make sure you REGISTER and VOTE this November 7th.

Also showing his support for our shows by showing up and visiting with the exhibitors and NEACA members at our August 4 & 5 Arms Fair was James Tedisco, who represents the 110th NY State Assembly District. As some of you may recall he also visited our show in Schenectady last July.  Jim has a pretty important job as the Assembly Minority Leader in the NY State Legislature and we would like to keep him there after he wins re-election this November.  A "Thank You" for his gun rights support can be phoned in to 518-455-5811.  Cathy and I wish to thank both these men for their continued support of our own right to Keep and Bear Arms and to Buy and Sell them at our Arms Fairs.  If the anti-gun democrat candidates seeking election from the governor on down actually get into power in Albany we may very well see the demise or complete elimination of public Gun Shows in this State.  YOU can make a difference by contributing a few dollars to the campaign of your choice and your most important VOTE this November 7th.  And if you find you may be away simply fill out an absentee ballot.  If any of you need voter assistance you can call your local Republican Committee or in Saratoga County call 518-584-7900 or go to the Saratoga County GOP website at http://www.gopsaratoga.org/index.asp .

By the way, "Who is John Faso?" you ask.  Well, I hope he is going to be your next Republican Governor.  Click on Fred Dickers column in the NY Post .... http://www.johnfaso2006.com/updates/031706.html to find out a little about New York politics.  It ain't pretty.     Dave Petronis

Past Show ~ Herkimer, NY Gun Show

 May *18, 19, 20, 2007

Michael E. Plisek VFW Post #4915, 131 Mohawk, St.

We will return to one of my favorite little shows in the Mohawk town of Herkimer, near Utica.  Directions are NYS Thruway I-90, to Exit 30, then Route 5 east to Herkimer, corner of Mohawk St. and Dewey Ave., near Burger King.  Only about 50 eight foot tables fit into their room but a lot of good stuff comes in and it is a good hunting and collecting area.  The Remington factory in Ilion is only a mile or two up Rt. 5 as well as their museum.  The old Utica Savage Arms Company was also near by as well as several Fishing Company factories and Knife factories. This has been quite an historic area even since the French and Indian War and you never know what can turn up at this show.

Download Flier ~ Herkimer

See our prior Report on What's New Page

New Member Letter ~ May 2006 with Monticello Report

First Monticello Raceway Arms Fair is Now History.

Along the way our New Eastcoast Arms Collectors Associates turned 150 barren wooden tables into a great display of firearms and knives and collectable militaria.  All of our members and exhibitors who decided to take a chance on this, our new venture should be proud of their fine efforts in changing an empty room on Thursday into what could become THE GUN SHOW in the Tri-State area.  Because of your efforts, NEACA will schedule more of these shows in Monticello, New York.

By Friday evening this past May 19, 2006 the Arms Fair began to take form.  Covers and racks held more collectable, investment grade or modern shooting firearms than most other area shows seldom see.  With the fine restaurants on premises there was no need for tables full of beef jerky here.  One deli sandwich for lunch was enough for two days of food.  Quality abounded in this third story show as well as in the Lounge, the Buffet and the Gaming Room on the main floor below.

The folks who decided to join our exhibitors on Saturday and Sunday to simply peruse the displays or to buy from or sell to our dealers were surely not disappointed in their quest. Though the public was light for this first show the people who came saw what a Gun Show was supposed to be, what we call an Arms Fair.  An event that displays martial and civilian arms and accessories from around the world, where someone can view and buy with confidence from reputable and responsible exhibitors.  This first in what I hope will be a series of quality Monticello Arms Fairs was a great step in the development in a fine continuing process.

And the first several hundred attendees and all of our exhibitors also left with the Monticello Raceway Safari Bobblehead doll as a memento of the First Commemorative Monticello Arms Fair and our sincere appreciation of your visit.  Thank you all and thanks to the fine staff at Monticello Raceway.

Past Gun Show ~ 250 8' Tables avail.

Mighty M Gaming

 Monticello, New York ( Monticello Raceway)

May 20 and 21, 2006

We are committed to promoting this new show and the facility staff are 110% behind making this a huge success.  We have tables for $70.00 and NEACA Members, $60.00.  Non-members have a chance to join our group and receive the discounted rate if you immediately apply for NEACA membership at $30.00 per year and send the Member Application (PDF) plus a one table deposit (regardless of how many you want) to us by April 15th.  After that only current Members of record get the discounted rate.  We also have a great deal on hotel rooms and a few other gifts for early participants. Send in today!

Address at Contact Us.           Mighty M Gaming Website

Download Monticello Flier in PDF  

 Reverse of Flier for Rules

Some of the exhibitors coming so far: Pete & Lisa Alliegro with new hand guns & long guns; Steve Heath with new long guns; Charles Taylor with modern blades and swords; Ken & Jan Delano with collector guns and Charles Daly shotguns; Val & Jim Jamrozy with US & German Militaria; John Momrow specializing in US Military '03's and collector guns; Terry Sullivan & Ed Kenna with used and collector firearms; David & Nancy Dittman with new & collector long guns; Bill & Dee Dwyer with new & collector firearms and scopes; Lynn Dryfus now specializing in collector scopes and long guns; Richard Haralabatos with fine collector firearms; Richard & Ron Hartman of Elmira Arms with quality firearms; Vic Scuderi with new and used guns; Bob Planke with collector Winchesters; Paul Gemma with militaria and air guns; John Shattuck with vintage books and collector guns; Gerald Arnold with collector knives and Americana; Larry Zacarola with used guns, militaria and collectables; Joe Kopchek with gun company collectables and vintage Americana; David & Cathy Petronis with collector and antique firearms and blades; Richard DeMayo with new and used guns & collectables; Bob McQuade & Norsela Cole with quality collector and investment long guns; Len Goering with used and collector long guns; Wes Hurd with used and collector firearms; Vince Tavernite with guns and archery; Vicki Heine with local gun club; John & Sue O'Dell with used guns; Leo Hurre with Militaria Collectables and other applicants still coming in.

Here is your chance to have a say in a new area show.  As dealers will you send me a deposit commitment of one table and as attendees will you send me e-mails of support?  New shows are hard to make work, will you help do your part?  Where and When?  

Mighty M Gaming

 Monticello, New York

(Formally Monticello Race Track)

May 20 and 21, 2006

The Event Director of Mighty M Gaming contacted us to promote a Gun Show at their facility.  In time, what could develop into a 500 table or more Super Show.  However, at this stage we have room for about 250 to 300 8 foot tables on their third floor.  Elevators naturally, are available but the loading and unloading could present a bottleneck if all dealers have to come at the same time. Doesn't usually happen.  There are quality and inexpensive motels in the immediate area and restaurants and bar on premises. Plenty of free parking with valet parking to the front door for $2.00.  They hope to build a convention center within two years and our show will move into it.  For the early supporters they will have first choice of tables.  I have some very good firearms dealers who will support this first show, I need the support of fifty to make a good nucleus of exhibitors.  Tables will be $60. for Neaca Members and $70. for non-members.  Suggest you all join.  Plus, all members get into all our shows FREE. I suggest the public joins too.  You have till the end of February to commit to your tables with a one table deposit.  No commitment, no show.  For advertising I need to make it all happen by March 1st.  Will you help me?  David Petronis

Thanks for the incoming input. 

I'll let you know soon.

Saratoga Springs, NY, City Center, 522 Broadway (Rt. 9) Was another sell-out in March '05.  Absolutely fantastic in public and for buying and selling.  Our last Gun Show was  March 17, 18, 19, 2006 ~ March Press Release  and was another sell-out with a record crowd of members and public in attendance.  Our next show at Saratoga is on Father's Day weekend.  Last June was our first Antique Arms Fair on the same weekend.  It was the ...

June 2005 Saratoga City Center ANTIQUE ARMS FAIR was concluded and our first went quite well!  Will be another on June 16, 17, 18, 2006  ~  Download June PDF

The Summer NEACA Saratoga Springs, NY, City Center Arms Fair was Aug. 26, 27, 28,  ~ public light, sales good.  Next Show August 4, 5, 6, 2006 ~ (Possible Auction 7 & 8)

Download August 2006 PDF

Prior August 27, 28, 2005 Arms Fair Press Release

Last NEACA Saratoga Springs, NY, City Center Arms Fair was October 21, 22, 23, 2005 ~ Friday is For Members Only ~ Nearly a Full Show (Opening Day of Dear Season) With a Number of New Exhibitors ~ Next Show Date a week earlier on October 13, 14, 15, 2006 plus, something new, NCCA Northeast Cutlery Collectors Association participation.

Download October 2006 PDF

See some of our Saratoga exhibitor photos below.

Last Show ~ Plattsburgh, NY Gun Show

Was held on April 30, May 1 , 2005

Knights of Columbus Bldg., 106 Boynton Ave.

We re-scheduled a return show to Plattsburgh, NY at the Knights of Columbus Building on Boynton Avenue.  It is off Exit 38 of the New York Adirondack Northway (Rt. I-87), right at light, and a short distance south.  We had room for about 60 eight foot tables and all were full last year.  The last show was very successful and we notified the Club that we will return with another show. Flyers were sent to members and exhibitors in our January letter.  This past show was also fine.

Download Flyer by Adobe Acrobat PDF

Past Show ~ ANTIQUE ARMS FAIR

Saratoga Springs, New York

Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway (Rt. 9)

June *17, 18, 19, 2005 (Friday for Members)

(Next 2006 Date June 16, 17, 18)

We are scheduling this new ANTIQUE ARMS FAIR on Fathers Day week end so not to conflict with other shows.  We have had sell-outs of our 250 eight foot tables for our regular Saratoga Arms Fairs for seven in a row.  This show, however, is to have restrictions to Antique Firearms (that is normally referred to as pre-1898 manufacture), but will allow curios and relics, parts for same and Fine Investment Grade Firearms, also Vintage, Quality Militaria (Pre-1946), and some Adirondack and Antique Sporting Collectables. $1000.00 in display prize money will be awarded.

Saratoga is a unique area.  One of the ten most decisive battles in world  history was fought here on Bemis Heights.  The French and Indian Wars were staged throughout the area.  Henry Hudson explored to just south of here and the Knickerbockers settled these fertile valleys over three hundred years ago along with great numbers of  Continental Patriots.  The County is Republican and Conservative today and one of the most affluent and wealthy in New York State.  Parts of it look like Kentucky with the large horse farms and old towns and villages still have the flavor of 1800's architecture.  Open space still survives but new housing is booming.  Our taxes are still low because our economy is still growing.  This is all nestled around one of the top ten tourist locations in the US, Saratoga Springs.  And here is where we host our Arms Fairs.  We would like you to join us for our first ANTIQUE ARMS FAIR.

Download Flyer by Adobe Acrobat PDF

Schenectady ARMS FAIR and Sportsman's Exposition

New Show ~ July *29, 30, 31, 2005

Crosstown Expo Center, Rt. 7

Town of Rotterdam ~ 450  8' tables

Download Flyer by Adobe Acrobat PDF

Download Schenectady Press Release by PDF

It is now History ~ The location is being rented to a grocery store and will no longer be available for Future Shows.

Our 56th Saratoga Springs Arms Fair was the first weekend  of August and we were sold out for the fourth show in a row.  See our August Show Report.  In 2005 our August date has been moved to the end of the month on the 27th and 28th due to renovation work at the City Center.  Over 3000 dealers, members and public are expected to attend these weekend Arms Fairs.  Members of NEACA also get in free and also get free entry on Friday evening.  See our last show report of the fantastic March show.  View some of our exhibitors (scroll down) from past shows.

See our March 2004 Show Report

Our March 19, 20 & 21 Arms Fair was just concluded and was a superb event!  Our show was again at the Saratoga City Center at 522 Broadway, which is Rt. 9, north end of the city.  Directions are easy, simply take Exit 15 off the NYS Northway, Rt. 87.  Go west on Rt. 50 and look for Prime Hotel which adjoins the City Center at Rt. 9, on left side of highway.  This is always a great show with quality exhibitors and buying public.  Public Hours are Saturday between 9AM and 5PM and Sunday 9AM till 3PM.  Our 250 8ft. tables are again on the way to being SOLD OUT as usual.  Apply early.  (Call for possible cancellations at late date.)