Have heard that the monthly Amherst, NH Car Show & Swap meet, that has been running from April-October for the last 54 years, has been cancelled for 2015. The gentleman who ran it for the last 30 years passed away last November and it looks like that is it for the swap meet. Huge blow for us T & A guys in New England - this was an institution. Has anyone up here heard this as well and if so, is there any alternative that has been set up?

Oh Dear and Oh No! This is the first I have heard of Werner Carlson's demise and I am shocked and saddened. I was hoping that your information was wrong, but a bit of mouse-ing around on the 'net found this:

http://bestride.com/blog/sad-day-in-new-england-car-guy-history-the-amherst-nh-a ntique-auto-show-swap-meet-is-no-more/15515/

We New Englanders can only hope that this will be just a one year hiatus.

Rest In Peace Mr. Carlson

Yes, I've heard the same news Ron.

Problem seems to be that it is a fairly large piece of desirable property in a "High rent" district, and the descendants can realize a tidy sum by selling the property to developers.

However, this IS NOT cast in stone...the ultimate decision (according to what I've read) is not yet finalized forever.

Related - maybe 1 1/2 hours North of Amherst, just off Exit 7 of !-89 is a suitable field which has a "general" outdoor flea market on Sundays during the reasonable weather months. The owner of the field/operator of the flea market has in the past expressed a desire to develop an "Amherst type" event. Perhaps this Amherst news will motivate him to act soon. Also, the local Model A Club (White Mountain Chapter of the MAFCA) will be talking with the owner soon to ascertain his interest.

If/when I hear/read more, I'll post it (if I can find this thread again!).

Hello all,

Got an email yesterday from one of the long time vendors and he indicated that his check was returned with a note from Mrs. Carlson that they will not be opening this season and are undecided about continuing beyond this year.

Boy were we spoiled with this meet seven times a year. A lot of memories and parts!

George - this is really sad. We were spoiled. Started going their with my Dad when I was about 7 years old.

Ron - indeed it is. Been going since the mid-80's probably passed you and your dad many times. Now we will really have to scour the few meets that are around here.

This was a favorite venue for Denise & I. Bought and sold many a vintage VW there!! (we're originally from Manchester, NH)

Hope springs eternal....there may be a very interesting event to satisfy the needs of most, if not all vendors and buyers.
More news as the situation solidifies.

Dave - that sounds promising.

Partial Update...

There is to be an "Amherst style" swap meet is southern NH (in or near Candia, NH) beginning the last Sunday in April and lasting thru the last Sunday in October.

On a private airport.

Vendors have been solicited, and some have already "bought" a spot.

I'll post more info as I find it...it is in the formative, but building phase now.

Ask your favorite vendor for more particulars - he/she probably knows more than I at this point!

Happy Easter ! !

Be curious as to where in Candia this is. I used to own property on Chester Turnpike in Candia.

No private airports on the sectional chart in Candia. Closest ones are in Chester, Northfield, and Epping. Curious.

OH NO!!!!!

I am going to be in BIG trouble.
New England Dragway is less than 7 miles from my home.

Amherst was an hour away. I now have no excuse.

Amherst was 45-60 minutes away from me. Epping is 2 hours. Don't see me getting there as often as I used to get to Amherst. Still, it's something.

It will be in or near candia. I should have said unused private very private as in only used by owner , before he died
First event last week in April. More as it is finalized.

Hang in there Fred!

https://goo.gl/maps/aiIOu ???

That's it Chris.

I was awaiting the publication of the Bleven's literature.

Amherst substitute? Only time will tell - it looks promising.

Also,
Folks may like to know about:
\
http://clubs.hemmings.com/earlyfordv8newengland/

or

http://clubs.hemmings.com/earlyfordv8newengland/Fleamarket.htm

(same place)

And Later:

http://www.vtauto.org/stowe_show.php

Back on the 15th, I wrote about another possibility - alas, although almost in my "backyard", this location will NOT be in the running for an "Amherst substitute"...it is the location just off I-89.

Although not at the moment a selling spot for numerous T parts, upon occasion a "treasure" does find its way to a vendor's table. This one is general merchandise every Sunday and someday may host an "old car event" - but not now.

Come when you can...

http://davisvillefleamarket.com/

Just so you know, I am NOT affiliated with any of these events in any way - just letting you know that although my "area" does not have a Hershey type event, there are some trading opportunities in the Northeast.

Enjoy the summer (if it ever comes up here!)