Thousands celebrate 100 years at Camp Perry

The Port Clinton News Herald is reporting that up to 6,000 shooters are expected to take part in a historic milestone this July -- the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Camp Perry as the site for the National Matches.

From the story:

"Camp Perry may well be the single most revered place in the hearts and minds of competitive shooters," said new NRA President John Sigler, a lifelong competitor himself. "Since 1907, some of the most elite marksmen that America has ever produced have competed there, alongside club shooters who consider the NRA National Championships a vital part of their lives. The combination of shooting skills, fellowship, exchange of ideas and sheer enjoyment make Camp Perry a special place indeed.

"Since our founding in 1871, competition has been regarded as an essential means of advancing marksmanship skills, and there is no finer showcase of marksmen than the NRA National Championships at Camp Perry," Sigler continued. "On the 100th anniversary of the founding of the base, I want to congratulate everyone who has ever competed there. NRA takes enormous pride in having conducted the National Championships in this historic venue for the last century."

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The term "National Matches" describes the National Rifle and Pistol Championships conducted by NRA and the National Trophy Matches conducted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Participants will range in experience from first-time competitive shooters to Olympic champions, and will include civilians, military personnel and law-enforcement officers. The NRA National Championships are open to all persons who are members of the NRA.

According the mayor of Port Clinton, the event is a major economic boom to the local area, contributing more than $10 million annually.

Again from the News Herald:

Special centennial ceremonies, activities and displays will be evident at this year's competitions.The NRA's National Firearms Museum, based at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Va., will display a large collection of Camp Perry memorabilia from its collection, including, rifles, pistols, clothing, medals and accessories. Large banners will also be displayed around the camp to identify significant historical milestones.

The National Matches begin each year in early July with the NRA National Junior Pistol Camp, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Small Arms Firing Schools, and the NRA National Pistol Championships, and conclude in August with the NRA National High Power Rifle Championship and the NRA Long Range Championship.