ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Residents in Robertsdale will stage a silent protest during the gun show this weekend at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale.

“I don’t have all the answers, but we have smart people in this country that should be able to figure out some common sense gun laws in order to protect the lives of our children,” said local resident Donna Orchard, who is organizing the event. “This is a grass roots effort to let people know that something needs to be done.”

Orchard is a member of Moms Demand Action, a nationwide organization that is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, a grassroots movement to end gun violence. While the protest is not sanctioned by the organization, Orchard said as a teacher and administrator for more than 30 years in the Mobile County School System and a substitute teacher locally, gun safety, particularly in our schools is an issue close to her heart.

“We are the only major country in the world that is not addressing this issue,” she said. “When it comes to the safety of our children, this is an issue that cannot be ignored.”

Orchard said she does not have a problem with the members of the National Rifle Association who want the freedom to own guns for protection, hunting and recreational use.

“The problem I have is with members of the NRA who are gun dealers and lobbyists,” she said. “Every time a bill comes before Congress to promote common sense gun laws, it is voted down, largely because of NRA-backed lobby groups. My son hunts. My grandson hunts. I am not looking to take away those rights, but we’ve got to find a way to protect our children.”

Orchard said the biggest problem she has with the gun show is that it allows unlicensed dealers to participate and attendees can purchase up to six guns at a time, often without needing a background check.

“I’ve spoken with the chief of police. I’ve spoken with the mayor and there are no two finer people than these gentlemen,” she said. “I understand that they have a job to do, but people need to know that there are people here who don’t think this is right and it needs to be stopped somehow.”

This weekend’s gun show is hosted by the Collectors and Shooters Club based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, and organized locally out of Montgomery.

When contacted, event organizer Ryan Wells said he was unaware of the protest.

“All I can say is that all federal, state and local laws are being followed,” Wells said when asked to respond about the use of unlicensed dealers. “We have signs posted at every entrance and all dealers know that have to follow the laws.”

Those wishing to protest at this weekend’s gun show will meet at the Winn Dixie at 10 a.m. in Robertsdale. The protest will be staged on public property across the street from the Coliseum, Orchard said.

Protestors are asked to bring their own signs, nothing inflammatory.

“I want to stress that this is going to be a peaceful protest,” Orchard said. “In no way do I want to confront anyone attending the gun show or try to change anyone’s minds about owning a gun. This protest is all about bringing common sense gun laws to our nation.”

If you would like more information, Orchard can be contacted via email at donnaforchard@gmail.com or by calling 251-947-8411 or 251-402-3317.