Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Preparedness In Case Of Catastrophe Emphasis For Kansas ‘Prepper’ Expo

Survival skills become most important should natural disaster occur.

Special training and knowledge to assist with that most serious need is now available to the public.

“The Spring 2014 Kansas Prepper Expo, a survival and self-sufficiency program, is scheduled Saturday, May 3, at the Jackson County 4-H Building in Holton,” announced Bobby Spagnuolo, Topeka, vice president of the Kansas Prepper Expo, which hosts two events annually.

Bobby Spagnuolo, Topeka, vice president of the Kansas Prepper Expo, announced that the Spring 2014 Kansas Prepper Expo is a survival and self-sufficiency program Saturday, May 3, at Holton.
Bobby Spagnuolo, Topeka, vice president of the Kansas Prepper Expo, announced that the Spring 2014 Kansas Prepper Expo is a survival and self-sufficiency program Saturday, May 3, at Holton.

In clarification, a “Prepper” is defined as “a survivalist, or someone who focuses on preparedness for worst-case disasters.”

Blackthorn USA, a non-military nature based adventure school specializing in preparedness, bush craft and wilderness survival, will be there.

For the Holton event featuring more than 80 tables, and five educational programs, doors will open at 9 o’clock.

“The Kansas Prepper Expo is a family friendly program that seeks to promote self-sufficiency, general preparedness for any disaster and a sense of community among Kansas preppers,” emphasized Spagnuolo, who also serves as editor of the Kansas Prepper Expo newsletter.

There will be a freewill donation charge for participation in all of the day’s activities. “We believe in helping people further their knowledge in case of a disaster, and we intend to always keep admittance at a minimum,” Spagnuolo pointed out.

Vendors will have a myriad of goods and services, including a nature-based adventure school specializing in preparedness, high tech solutions to homesteading, long term food and water storage, precious metals and bullion dealers, and military surplus, he said.

Five programs featuring “premier experts on key subject matter,” such as “wilderness survival,” are scheduled, Spagnuolo noted.

Two classes are planned during the morning, starting at 9:30, and on the hour, with a break for lunch at 11:30, and programs resume at 12:30, through the final one at 3 o’clock. Registration is not required.

Program schedule: 9:30, “The First 72 Hours” by Pete Rafferty; 10:30, “Bug Out Vehicles” by Mark Rinke; 11:30, lunch; 12:30, “Suturing and Stitching” by Courtney; 1:30, Play the Game Conflicted; 2:30, prize drawings; and 3 o’clock, “Rabbit Processing” by Will Duncan.

Pete Rafferty, president of the Kansas Prepper Expo, will present a program on “The First Hours” during the Spring 2014 Kansas Prepper Expo Saturday, May 3, at the Jackson County 4-H Building in Holton.
Pete Rafferty, president of the Kansas Prepper Expo, will present a program on “The First Hours” during the Spring 2014 Kansas Prepper Expo Saturday, May 3, at the Jackson County 4-H Building in Holton.

Among the prizes are an AR-15 rifle, one day classes to Blackthorn-USA, and several packages including knives, water bricks, a portable backpacker’s stove, 24-hour emergency kits, shelf stable food items and silver coins.

Information about the Kansas Prepper Expo Spring 2014, is available at www.kansasprepperexpo.com, and on Facebook.

 

 

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