Preparedness Expo Draws Survivalists

White supremacists, survivalists, militia members and others gathered here Friday to share their political beliefs and stock up on survival gear in one of the largest such gatherings since the Oklahoma City bombing.

Most of the browsers and exhibitors at Preparedness Expo ’95 said they are doing what they’ve always done and haven’t changed their ways since the April 19 blast that killed 168 people and injured hundreds more.

“No, we’re not here to do anything different, call for an uprising or anything,” said Oliver Smith, 58, who drove here from Atlanta with his wife. “We like the amazing variety of things to learn about--how to prepare your family for the future, whatever it might bring.”

The consumer show and conference is expected to draw more than 4,000 people over the weekend to the Orange County Convention Center.