Gun show draws huge crowds in Del Mar - CBS News 8 - San Diego, CA News Station - KFMB Channel 8

DEL MAR (CBS 8) - An annual gun show in Del Mar Fairgrounds is bigger than ever this year, in the wake of the Sandy Hook School massacre and Colorado theater shootings.

Thousands of people turned out for the Crossroads of the West Gun Show Saturday, despite protests and petitions to stop it.

It is a popular gun show on the West Coast that some in Del Mar were hoping to shut down.

Prompted by the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, in January local residents began lobbying the fair board to ban gun shows at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Despite their opposition, Bob Templeton, President of Crossroads of the West says the show will go on this weekend with more to offer.

Renewed debate about gun control has increased attendance at shows nationwide and made it much harder for people to find ammo.

"There is ammo available at all calibers here. And I think if they get here early, they have a good chance of getting what they need," says Templeton.

Organizers are expecting 20,000 people this weekend.

Show hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.