2026 Patriot Fest a rousing success! BFA announces date for 2027

After a seven-year hiatus, Buckeye Firearms Association’s fundraising banquet returned in a big way, bringing together supporters, candidates, and generous donors for an unforgettable evening.

When Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) decided to host the 2026 Patriot Fest, there were some questions about how it would be received. Would supporters turn out? Would the evening live up to expectations?

The answer was an enthusiastic YES!

Held Aug. 22 at The Makoy Center in Hilliard, Patriot Fest was a wildly successful evening, drawing a sold-out crowd of Ohio patriots for a night of fellowship, fundraising, and renewed commitment to protecting our Second Amendment rights.

Fest attendees shared their enthusiasm.

"Oh, it meant a lot to me to be here," said Dianna Gray, "and I'm just very excited for this election because I think we're going to win. Yes."

"It was fantastic. Vivek, like cake, was amazing. He was a great speaker," added Kara Slonecker. "I'm a conservative, so I appreciate his conservatism. And it was nice to hear from other candidates across the state, all at one time in one room, and how they're all united. It really gives me hope for Ohio because Ohio is struggling, I think, and this really gives me hope as a voter."

The response was so overwhelmingly positive that BFA is already making plans for next year. So, mark your calendar for the 2027 Patriot Fest on Aug. 21 at the Villa Milano in Columbus.

"The leadership of Buckeye Firearms Association is grateful to all those who attended," said Linda Walker, president of BFA. "We are especially thankful to those who sponsored and donated, and to our many volunteers who helped make this year's dinner the huge success that it was.

"The many generous donations will help BFA continue to fight for all Ohioan's Second Amendment rights. Also, this may have been the only political event in this election cycle that had gubernatorial candidates and 100% of our statewide candidates in attendance.”

An evening to remember

One of the evening’s highlights was the keynote address delivered by Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican candidate for Ohio Governor, who is endorsed by the Buckeye Firearms Association Political Action Committee (BFA-PAC). Ramaswamy delivered a rousing speech, outlining his commitment to constitutional rights and traditional American values.

BFA was also honored to host the entire statewide slate of BFA-PAC-endorsed candidates, giving attendees an opportunity to hear directly from prominent leaders seeking to serve Ohio in key statewide offices:

• Rob McColley for Lieutenant Governor
• Keith Faber for Attorney General
• Robert Sprague for Secretary of State
• Jay Edwards for Treasurer
• Frank LaRose for Auditor

Their participation underscored the importance of supporting candidates who share BFA’s commitment to the Second Amendment and Ohio's four million gun owners.

See BFA-PAC's grades and endorsements for the 2026 General Election.

More than 70 guns and incredible prizes

The excitement continued throughout the evening with raffles and auctions featuring an outstanding selection of prizes. More than 70 firearms were available as prizes, along with other items that helped make Patriot Fest a memorable experience for attendees. Among the most notable contributions was a SIG Sauer MCX Spear LT rifle donated by Vivek Ramaswamy.

The raffles and auctions also accomplished an important goal: raising much-needed funds to support BFA’s ongoing work supporting pro-gun at the Statehouse, educating the public, and promoting the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

Special thanks to Black Wing Shooting Center for assisting with Tons o’ Guns and serving as our FFL at their retail location in Delaware, Ohio.

Thank you to our senerous sponsors and donors

An event of this size and success would not have been possible without the generosity of an amazing group of corporate and local supporters:

Event Sponsor

• Second Call Defense

VIP Sponsors

• Janet Nyce
• Judge Craig Baldwin
• Precise Resource, Inc.
• Richard Stobbs
• Rob Beckman
• RTS Strategies / Vorisek Financial
• Senator George Lang

Sponsors

• Charlie Reinhardt
• Curt Mayhew
• Judge Danny Bubp
• Judge Kevin Popham
• Kendra Wecker
• Mann & Carducci Co., L.P.A.
• Representative Johnathan Newman
• Representative Kevin Miller
• Sportsmen’s Alliance
• Woodhouse Spas

Donors

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Freedom Liberty Foundation
• Angela Armstrong
• Byrna
• Century Arms
• Charter Arms
• Daniel Houchins
• Dean Rieck
• Faxon Firearms
• Henry Repeating Arms
• Kahr Arms
• Lakeshire Farm
• L.E.P.D. Firearms & Range
• Newton Hughes
• Scott Hummel
• SIG Sauer
• Springfield Tactical Training LLC
• Tippmann Arms
• Toni Ventresca
• Universal Coin & Bullion
• Vivek Ramaswamy
• Vortex Optics

Their contributions helped make the raffles and auctions a major attraction and demonstrated the value of a community working together to support a shared cause.

BFA also thanks everyone who purchased tickets, attended the event, participated in the auctions and raffles, and helped spread the word. The enthusiasm and generosity of our supporters made our inaugural Patriot Fest a tremendous success.

See you next year!

Join us next year on Aug. 21 at the Villa Milano in Columbus. We look forward to another outstanding evening with the supporters, donors, and friends who make the work of Buckeye Firearms Association possible.

Thank you for making the return of Patriot Fest such a resounding success. We’ll see you next year!