Some Plan to Open Carry at Downtown Hoedown

DETROIT (WJBK) - Some people who love guns plan to open carry sidearms around the Downtown Hoedown this weekend.

FOX 2's Jason Carr talked to open carry advocate Rick Ector and asked him whether he will be wearing a cowboy hat, poncho or ammunition across his chest at the event.

"Absolutely not," he replied with a chuckle.  "Jeans and an Oxford button down shirt."

"We're going to be there in our normal attire ... to have a great time," said Ector.  "The only difference, if any, is that we may have a firearm that you can see."

Ector has his own blog and business and plans to join his posse of ten or so likeminded buddies for a stroll around Hart Plaza.

Isn't that sort of a match with the powder keg?

"I don't see any potential issues that would exist.  We're talking about law abiding citizens bearing firearms.  I think any issues that may be anticipated may be from people who are going to be there anyway, which it would be criminals and bad guys, who conceal firearms and have them anyway," Ector said.

Since the Downtown Hoedown has alcohol, Rick and his buddies can't open carry without a license.  Of course, they all have licenses.

The show promoter had no comment.

"We're not going to violate the law.  We're not going to violate people's constitutional rights.  So, we just ask that the open carry lobby work with us, and we'll have conversation with them so everybody's on the same page," said Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee.

An unnamed source close to the Hoedown said if it's anything like the open carry gun controversy at
Arts, Beats and Eats, it'll be much to-do about nothing.

"It's not for everyone, but for those individuals who feel it's right for them, we're here to educate them," said Ector.