As the debate over gun restrictions continues across the nation, the Great Middletown Firearm & Knife Show is taking place this weekend.

People in the area say they have mixed feelings when it comes to the gun show's location - the Orange County Fairgrounds, across the street from Middletown High School.

The show comes as people are still grappling with the school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas.

Kathy Chase, of Orange County, says she doesn't have anything against people who properly own guns, but she doesn't want any guns close to schools given the onslaught of shootings around the country she.

"It's maddening…but you feel kind of powerless. These people have a lot of say of what's going on in the United States," says Chase.

Robin Derito is a retired educator. He says he's been in lockdown situations before.

"My heart goes out to everyone whose ever been through that stuff – it's quite scary," he says.

Derito feels the gun show should be held somewhere else given the political climate.

"There are those conservatory places around here that they can possibly do a gun show. People would still go," he says.

Tom Ruzanski agrees.

"That goes back to the people running the gun show, maybe they should have postponed it, canceled it. That was their call, and they're still having it across the street from the school," he says.

Ruzanski says he believes tight security will lead to a safe experience.

"I feel like there's security is good enough that children aren't going to get in there that shouldn't be seeing these things," he says.

News 12 reached out to Middletown schools superintendent, who did not want to comment on the gun show's location. News 12 also reached out to the organizers of the gun show, who declined to comment.