Who says swap meets are dead??

**John Brown** · #1 10-16-2023, 02:43 PM

I used to go to all of Gary Esse's swap meets as a buyer. Jefferson, Elkhorn, and I recall he even had one or two at Janesville. I still have friends from South Bend that make the trip several times a year to both Jefferson and Elkhorn. We would always buy spaces just to keep from having to carry everything we bought out the gate.

**Mr70** · #2 10-16-2023, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Brown

I used to go to all of Gary Esse's swap meets as a buyer. Jefferson, Elkhorn, and I recall he even had one or two at Janesville.

Me too,and Waukesha,Wis. was once on the Madison Classics list and a GREAT swapmeet/carshow.I miss that one.I found a complete NOS 1970 CD-3 windshield wiper option there once,still regret letting that go today..Some great resources are around Waukesha.

**John Brown** · #3 10-16-2023, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr70

Me too,and Waukesha,Wis. was once on the Madison Classics list and a GREAT swapmeet/carshow.I miss that one.I found a complete NOS 1970 CD-3 windshield wiper option there once,still regret letting that go today..Some great resources are around Waukesha.

That was it, Waukesha, not Janesville. Thanks for jogging my memory.

**67since67** · #4 10-17-2023, 12:06 AM

It's great that there are meets still thriving! Still the best way for parts to change Hands IMO.

Charlotte AutoFair since COVID is down dramatically and I don't see reason to go back.

Locally the Cedar Rapids meet is faltering after moving from Hawkeye Downs Speedway to the fairgrounds.

I first Went to Fall Carlisle in '76 and maintained a space in the race track infield for about 25 years, just for parking. I remember "Vendor: What are you looking for? Me: '67 Chevelle parts. Vendor: Why would you want parts for that??" Memories of pre-dawn flashlights and frost on tarps. Usually came home with a full truck. Those were the days!

I used to set up at Jefferson but haven't been back for 25 years.

Some great scores at Peotone back then too!

**67since67** · #5 10-17-2023, 12:09 AM

In the Corvette world Bloomington at the fairgrounds used to be epic, but is a mere shadow of that now.

**X66 714** · #6 10-17-2023, 02:36 AM

I have 2 in Phx & 1 in town next month. I always hope to find something other than a burrito but it's still fun to go & see some of my car buddies....Joe

**RPOLS3** · #7 10-17-2023, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67since67

In the Corvette world Bloomington at the fairgrounds used to be epic, but is a mere shadow of that now.

My brother and I grew up at the show when it was at the Bloomington Fairgrounds back in the day. Great memories.

**John Brown** · #8 10-16-2023, 03:00 PM

In Illinois, Santa Fe Speedway and the LaSalle Speedway (and drive in theater

) used to be two swap meet that were my 'must go to' list. I LOVE circle car swap meets. You never know what kind of parts those guys are gonna come up with.

**William** · #9 10-17-2023, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Brown

I used to go to all of Gary Esse's swap meets as a buyer. Jefferson, Elkhorn, and I recall he even had one or two at Janesville. I still have friends from South Bend that make the trip several times a year to both Jefferson and Elkhorn. We would always buy spaces just to keep from having to carry everything we bought out the gate.

Saw Gary at a local show a few weeks ago, handing out flyers for his 2024 schedule. He has added a show/swap Saturday June 15 at the Racine WI County fairgrounds.

www.madisonclassics.com

3X24SPD · #10 10-17-2023, 04:13 PM

Used to be a really good Swap for years down in Mass at the Great Woods Center.
After the Wu-flu hit, they never had another- the group that organized it went completely off the radar.

I still miss the old Amherst, NH swap.
The New England Dragway Swap took off as the new default when the owner of Amherst sold the property.

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