PORTLAND – Only a handful of gun enthusiasts turned out for a follow-up to last month’s “open carry” event at Back Cove this afternoon.

The trash pick-up was intended to help the non-armed get used to seeing people legally carrying guns, said Shane Belanger, the University of Maine student who helped organized last month’s “open carry,” also at the Back Cove.

Belanger said the trash pick-up event was a way to give back to the community. Last month’s event was more of a social gathering, with about 75 people turning out for a barbecue and picnic.