Published: June 25, 2009 07:00 am      

Gun-toting picnic coming to TC

TRAVERSE CITY -- Gun advocates have Traverse City in their cross hairs.

A nonprofit group called Michigan Open Carry, Inc., on Saturday will host a gun-toting picnic at Sunset Park along East Front Street, an effort leaders said is intended to promote the legal, open carry of firearms and the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment.

Scott Sieffert owns the Discerning Shootist store on Woodmere Avenue in Traverse City and is helping to promote the event and cause.

He is a firearms safety and concealed pistol license instructor.

"A lot of it is based upon a person's rights in Michigan. It's to let people know they can openly carry a gun on their person," Sieffert said. "Guns aren't evil. They are no more evil than tools like a drill or a chain saw or an automobile. It's how you use it."

That means participants will be walking around with pistols in hip holsters in a public park. Not everyone thinks it's a bang-up idea.

The event may raise apprehension, particularly among those who may not be aware of the event, said Deni Scrudato, a Traverse City commissioner.

"What will people think if they've driven by and seen a bunch of people openly carrying guns? People will be concerned," she said.

Scrudato understands the gathering is legal, but she questions whether the picnic is little more than a chance for participants to "show off" their gun ownership.

She's not alone in her worries.

"I find it a little disturbing," said Virgilene Warren, who lives a few blocks from the park. "It sounds like something that shouldn't be in a neighborhood. I really don't think it's appropriate."

Warren said she has no qualms about gun ownership, but is scared by the notion of firearms carried in a park where neighborhood children play.

"It may cause concern for some," but not everyone, said Fred Wilmeth, president of Traverse City's Oak Park Neighborhood Association.

Reactions will depend on where people stand on firearms laws, he said.

Wilmeth doesn't own a gun, but isn't opposed to those who do, he said.

The picnic is not designed to intimidate, but spread awareness of Michigan's open carry law, as well as increase interest and donations for next year's planned "Second Amendment March" in Washington, D.C., said Brian Jeffs, president of Michigan Open Carry.

"It's a group of pro-gun people who promote the open carry of a handgun, which is legal in Michigan. A lot of people don't realize that, even those in law enforcement," Jeffs said.

Traverse City Police Chief Michael Warren knows the law and is prepared for concerned calls from passersby on Saturday.

"It's 100 percent legal as long as the gun is properly registered and openly displayed," Warren said. "We'll have adequate staff on in case there are any issues, but we are not anticipating any."

Michigan law allows the open carry of pistols in a hip holster, so long as the weapon is not brandished, or waved menacingly.

Emergency services dispatchers are trained to explain the legality of the situation to worried 911 callers, Warren said.

"I'm sure we'll probably get a couple calls on it," he said.

City commissioners in March changed an ordinance that previously prevented firearms possession in city parks. The local law contradicted state law and had to be repealed, said R. Ben Bifoss, city manager.

It's unknown how many people will show for the event, although such gatherings tend to attract between 30 and 150 people, Jeffs said.

The picnic is scheduled from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.