The organizer of a large outdoors show in Harrisburg is postponing it indefinitely after its ban on assault weapons triggered a backlash and boycott.

Reed Exhibitions posted a notice Thursday on the website of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, saying there is an "emotionally charged atmosphere" that would make it impossible to hold an event "designed to provide family enjoyment."

The nine-day show in the Farm Show Complex had been scheduled to start Feb. 2. Many of the vendors had announced they were pulling out.

An email sent to ticket-buyers promises refunds and says the process will be posted on its website.

The organizers banned the sale and display of assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.

Reed says the show is postponed "for now," but isn't elaborating.

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The following is an unedited statement that was posted Jan. 24 on the website for the show:

"Reed Exhibitions has decided to postpone, for now, the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show given the controversy surrounding its decision to limit the sale or display of modern sporting rifles (also called ARs) at the event. The show was scheduled to take place February 2-10 in Harrisburg, PA.

"Our original decision not to include certain products in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show this year was made in order to preserve the event's historical focus on the hunting and fishing traditions enjoyed by American families," said Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions President for the Americas. "In the current climate, we felt that the presence of MSRs would distract from the theme of hunting and fishing, disrupting the broader experience of our guests. This was intended simply as a product decision, of the type event organizers need to make every day.

"It has become very clear to us after speaking with our customers that the event could not be held because the atmosphere of this year's show would not be conducive to an event that is designed to provide family enjoyment. It is unfortunate that in the current emotionally charged atmosphere this celebratory event has become overshadowed by a decision that directly affected a small percentage of more than 1,000 exhibits showcasing products and services for those interested in hunting and fishing.

"ESS has long been proud to participate in the preservation and promotion of hunting and fishing traditions, and we hope that as the national debate clarifies, we will have an opportunity to consider rescheduling the event when the time is right to focus on the themes it celebrates."