Event Coverage Where the heck was Fall Carlisle?

From vendors I know, it seems like 1-the sales tax and 2-the increasing fees Carlisle management think it's worth have made it very difficult for the non-pros to bring and sell their stuff. But, they are the heart of a swap meet like Carlisle. The Manufacturer's Midway was very weak (boats?) and I did not see a single major insurance company there-not Grundy, not Hagerty, not anybody else.

 

"Manufacturer's Midway was very weak (boats?)"

Yeah, not only boats, but kitchen cabinet dealers were there, as well as vacuum cleaner sellers, guys selling cloths and socks, etc. WTF, I spend 4½ hours driving each way, so there's $100 in gas plus hotel room, parking & admission fees, $2.50 for a bottle of water, so I can look at boats, kitchen cabinets and shop for Chinese socks??? It's no wonder swap meets are dying. You're better off spending that money on buying off the internet, except for the really large items.

 

Raining today in Lewisburg. I guess my decision to go Wednesday was the correct one-there will probably be even fewer vendors left today. Ah, well. On to Hershey. Central PA's pretty good for flea markets in the Fall.

 

I forget what one I went back to, my buddy did get some parts for his '53 Ford truck. I will save the date for the 2015 Ford event.

 

I have been fleaing there since 78. Race track was still there and no such thing as the north field. The Millers had enough foresight when they went to Hershey and seen that there was a place needed for 50's up cars and trucks. Born Carlisle fall 1974. Its been a great place but it is also dyeing a slow death 20??. Blame the internet, economy, old age (yea look around) reproduction parts (good ole parts are drying up and new parts make the old rusty parts not as desirable). Seems the state wants there share and the millers do too. Its a nice facility but I too think the multiple shows is its worst enemy. The Millers did have a dinner for all the 40 year venders this year that have stuck it out.I applaud them for that. A little recognition for the ones that made them.
I would like to have a dollar for every person that walked by in full stride not looking, just on a stroll so that they can go home and say they were at carlisle. Can't wait for hershey next week still no Chinese die-cast, wicker baskets an Taiwan tools. 12 dollars to park no matter how many in the car. And they are open up to muscle cars and parts Run by the AACA.

 

Spot-on observation, Bob. This weekend's swap meet in Cedar Rapids, IA was extremely slow, little vendor count, and virtually NO spectators. Granted, it's no Carlisle or Hershey, however, meet's where I am used to being busy all day produced a customer base of less than 20 ALL DAY.

 

I was there today (Saturday) 3 hour drive. Was ok. I dont go every year, as its been pointed out its on the decline. Saw some craigslist cars and parts in the flesh, and realized my judgement on them from just the web adds prooved correct. Few things to remember about these events, car hobby people are dying off for one. All the experts we all use to know for the most part have passed, as well their collections. I dont think alot of people care about much of the older stuff anymore. Its turning into a post 64 car world. Based on the amount of Chevelle, Mopar and Ford sheet metal sales. If you liked bicycles, they had a crap load of them. The other thing that makes these meets less interesting or full is the internet. Think how many good parts are listed on the Hamb for example, or the Ford Barn, Ebay and Cragislist. You dont even have to leave your house now.

 

I was there on Thursday and had a great time. I agree with the above poster, the internet has taken much of the thunder away from swap meets. Plus, some of the prices vendors put on this stuff is crazy. I swear some of them have no intent of ever selling some of the stuff. They just enjoy loading and unloading their junk... That being said, I'll be at Hershey next Thursday....