MTFCA Forum

The 2021 "Bakersfield" Swap Meet WILL be held this year on May 1st. The location is changed to the International Agri-Center in Tulare California. Tulare is approximately 50 miles north of Bakersfield on the 99 freeway. This is a fantastic venue and I'm sure you will appreciate the amenities. The entire Bakersfield grid of swap spaces will be duplicated at the Ag-Center. I have the list of Bakersfield vendors from 2019 and you will all be contacted by mail, (snail mail). If you want your old space back, you'll get first crack at it!! The spaces are 40'x20' The cost is $50.00 per space with pre-registration, ($60.00 on move-in day and the day of the event). The Tulare Ag-Center already had a classic car "Swap-O-Rama" scheduled for May 1st and the Bakersfield grid will be adjacent to the Swap-O-Rama. For 2022, the dates will be back to the "traditional" mid-April dates. I've been working on this project for about 4 months, but couldn't post anything until I received confirmation from the Ag-Center-which I received yesterday. There will be more up-dates forthcoming, so stay tuned! I look forward to seeing many of you this May and in April 2022. Kind Regards, Bill Bennett

Fantastic! Thank you Bill for leading the charge!

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HIP, HIP, HORRAY!!!
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Why did you put your event on the same day as my event ,and you new it why are you a back stabber you only care about your self change your event date to the following week as not to conflict with my event i would not have done this to you i have spent a lot of money on this event call me so we can settle this Rich 520-827-0295

Why did you put your event on the same day as my event ,and you new it why are you a back stabber you only care about your self change your event date to the following week as not to conflict with my event i would not have done this to you i have spent a lot of money on this event call me so we can settle this Rich 520-827-0295

Rich Huggins wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 04, 2021 1:48 pm

Why did you put your event on the same day as my event ,and you new it why are you a back stabber you only care about your self change your event date to the following week as not to conflict with my event i would not have done this to you i have spent a lot of money on this event call me so we can settle this Rich 520-827-0295

I guess you didn't read that this meet will be piggy backed onto another meet already scheduled for that date.

While I’m glad this event has been resuscitated, it is unfortunate you did not see fit to communicate with Rich when the date clash came to light.

Andy

I hope that this conflict can be reconciled. People are putting a lot of effort into making a prewar meet happen. We can’t go to two of them in different states the same weekend.

There will be a lot of lingering issues due to this whole covid mess! I am sure the date wasn't an option this year, and it may be necessary to get a foot in the door to get it and keep it going.
I also think that the Arizona meet has wonderful possibilities, both short and long term.
I wish I could go to either one of them! But at this time, that is not likely for me. I would hope that maybe next year I may be able to attend one or more of these swap meets. If they can in the future be on different dates? Preferably a month or two apart, they could both be wonderful for the hobby in the Western states.

Southwestern Brass Pre War Event Will Go On! Sorry for the post's . i was very mad! i have working my rear off ,'to make this a successful event and it has gone well and I will keep going foreword making this the best event in the Southwest. Southeasterners please come to this event lets make this event happen this is not Bakersfield this is PHOENIX!

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After giving this awkward dilemma considerable thought and hearing what other Model T-ers and Horseless Carriage guys have to say I have two opinions that carry equal weight with me.

Firstly, I agree with Andy above. It escapes me why news of those efforts to revive of our beloved Bakersfield Swap Meet in Tulare, CA. were kept for so long from Rich Huggins. This, on the surface, appears terrible. Therefore, I completely understand why Rich was so ticked off.

Secondly, and as far as this Californian is concerned, the swap meet efforts in Phoenix were only put in motion because there was credible information being reported that Bakersfield was forever dead and those traditionally responsible for organizing it refused to pass the torch to us younger guys. I for one said from the start, and all the way through this uncertainty, that I was only behind an Arizona alternative until such time that Bakersfield could be revived. ...Bakersfield 2021 has now been revived, in Tulare, CA. I couldn't be happier that Bill has pulled this off. Our hobby absolutely needs this premier west coast event to thrive.

This is an awkward dilemma at best. Both these gentlemen are heroes in my mind for sticking there necks our for the rest of us. I feel Rich's pain. However, I will attend the May 1st event in Tulare because this is my beloved backyard PreWar/ Brass Era Swap Meet.
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As I stated earlier, I couldn't do anything about the dates for this year. I sincerely hope that both events can be successful this year and the dates can be sufficiently separated for next year. I am currently putting together information packets that will be sent to the 2019 Bakersfield vendors. I hope most, if not all, questions will be answered by the information provided. I will also post the same information on this forum within the next day or two. I am working on the Bakersfield grid of vendor spaces and I will know by Monday how many spaces will be available for additional vendors. There is also vendor space available in the "Swap-O-Rama" area. Information about that will also be posted soon. One bit of information I can provide at this time is the fact that the "move-in" date is Friday April 30 from 9:00am-9:00pm. Camping at/in your swap space is allowed.

Putting on an event such as this is a tremendous amount of work, but I hope the benefits to our hobby of preserving our motoring history/heritage make it all worth while.

Let's have some fun!!!!! Regards, Bill

I will be there in the same vending spaces
as I was parked at in 2019

I will be representing the EFV-8 Foundation Museum
along with the MTFCA


FJ

Bill, put me down for the same spaces I had at Bakersfield. I will be there.

It's to bad there is confusion about these two meets. I appreciate the work both gentlemen have put in to keep a pre war swap meet going. I've known Bill for sometime and will keep my same Bakersfield spaces at the Tulare meet.

Life happens.., I do not believe the dates were intentional, just a simple fat finger mistake.

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THE SWAPMEET POST TOUR

May 1, Bakersfield Swap Meet, Tulare, CA.
May 2, Tulare-Visalia morning/lunch tour w/ local Ts and then trailer 1.5 hr north to Oakhurst, CA.
May 3, tour north into Yosemite Valley via highway 41 with logging road and Glacier Point detours (60 mi). Stay in your own large heated cabin-tent ($185) on the valley floor walking distance from the Ahwahnee Hotel, cocktails by the river, dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel.
May 4, tour west-southwest via highway 140 (70mi) back to Oakhurst to retrieve our trucks and trailers.
May 5, Return home.

Contact Steven for more information; NewNorthSouth@gmail.com
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From what I see at the moment, I should drive up from L.A. on Thursday afternoon, and plan on spending Thursday night and Friday night in Tulare.
It's a pretty good size town, with everything you could want.

Hmm, anyone around familiar with Tulare? Need to find two things to really make this swap meet "work" for SOME of us:
Good Basque food place
Great Ice Cream parlor

It seems the Shepherd's Inn and the Santa Fe Restaurant in Fresno are the nearest Basque places, about 46 miles up the road. Tulare has a Baskin-Robbins. I don't know if that's as good as Dewar's.

This is great news! I will need to start posting stuff that I want to sell in the classifieds!

Also, I will plan to bring the FACT coil tester for anyone who wants to give it a try.

David, I don't know of any Basque food in Tulare, but I know that the Basque restaurant in Fresno is highly recommended, so you could hit in on your way there or back. As far as ice cream Superior Dairy in Hanford legendary. Not only is the ice cream great, the prices are good and the portions are HUGE.

Matt

Its been a few days and a lot has been happening. Here's the latest:

We mailed the information packets to the 2019 Bakersfield vendors today. There were 195 vendors on that list. I tried to have the exact "Bakersfield" grid duplicated on the Tulare grounds. Unfortunately, that simply wasn't possible. There were a few permanent structures and the "lay of the land" just wouldn't allow for that. The "streets" at the swap area are lettered "A", "B", "C",etc from West to East. "H" street is the dividing line between the "Swap-O-Rama spaces and the Pre-War/Brass Era grid. The current map shows about 200 spaces for the pre-war grid. There is ample room to expant that to 400, 600, 800, or more if demand is great enough. With over 600 acres to work with, I think there should be plenty of room. If you want to have swap spaces next to your friends, get together with them and decide where you want to be. Contact the International Agri Center and make your request. They are very easy to work with and will make sure you get a spot the will work for you. They would like to fill in the spaces from west to east so no one winds up "out in the boondocks" by themselves. Judging from the initial responses, this should turn out to be a very successful event. If you have any specific questions, you can call me at: five five nine 967- zero one one two. Questions about obtaining a swap space and general information should be directed to the International Agri Center at: five five nine 688 one zero three zero. I look forward to seeing many of you in Tulare. Let's have some fun!!! Kind Regards, Bill Bennett

Steve, B-R and Dewars should not be used in the same sentence--or even posting!! Oh well, I still have put the date down in my calendar!

We called today and we are in K-33. Stop by and say hello.

I'll be there with my son. Waited long enough for this plague to pass. Made my reservation for two nights at the Best Western in Tulare. Not quite as economical as the Vagabond Inn across from Hodel's, but with the venue change and not being familiar with the area, it'll have to do.
See you all there.

Official Flyer
Click on the blue Brass Era.pdf below

Here's the latest on the "Bakersfield"/Tulare, Brass Era Pre-War Swap Meet: I'm very pleased with the response, so far, about the number of people reserving their spaces. I encourage you to continue to make plans to attend this new venue. There is plenty of room to expand the field so don't be shy about reserving your space. Let us know what you're planning to bring and also what you're looking for. Its only about 5 weeks away. There will be plenty of food vendors and several conveniently located permanent restrooms as well as plenty of portables on site. Vendors will receive two wrist bands per site reserved. If you reserve 2 spaces you'll receive 4 wrist bands, 6 wrist bands with 3 spaces, etc. There is no additional fee for camping in your vendor space. If you want to camp/park your motor home without having a vendor space, that option is available as well, (there is a fee). Dry camping, no hook-ups. I'm hoping this will be a very popular annual event we can all look forward to. I don't want to loose the chance to have a West Coast Brass Era/Pre-War event/swap meet. It will only be possible to continue with the event if it is supported by all of you. Continue to spread the word. We have already set the date for the 2022 event. I'll post those dates soon on a new thread. If you have any questions, please call me at:five five nine 967 zero one one two. To reserve your space call Chrystal at: five five nine 688 one zero three zero. Thank you for the positive response and I look forward to seeing you in Tulare. Just a few weeks away!! Lets have some fun!! Kind regards, Bill

Thanks again bill, I made my space reservations last week, it was real easy and the people were great to deal with!

I was told that the swap meet next year will be at the same time as the Steam engine and Tractor show. This provides lots of things to see besides the swap meet. We are signed up!

Les

Back to the top.

Well, its been a week or so since my last up-date. Chickasha 2021 is behind us and I hope all are doing well after the Easter Holiday. There are just four short weeks 'til the Tulare Pre-War/Brass-Era inaugural swap meet. I'm very optimistic about the success of this event. The initial 200 spaces are already sold out and the field/grid is expanding to meet the needs of all that are interested in reserving their space(s). I hope I'm keeping everyone informed as information becomes available. I'm not trying to be "over-bearing", but its imperative that the word gets out to all that are interested in participating in this event, either as a vendor or buyer, (or both). "Freighter Jim" started another thread about what you might bring to the meet or what you're looking for. Don't be bashful, let us know what is going to be available and what you're looking for. Inquiring minds ARE interested!! Thank you again for all the positive responses and I look forward to seeing many of you in Tulare. This is going to be FUN!!!! Kind Regards, Bill

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See you there !!!

Look forward to being there.

Eric

Just wondering, besides wearing a mask and some social distancing, are there any other COVID restrictions for attending the swap meet?

Why would you wear a mask in the open air ? Being vaccinated should greatly reduce being infected or an infectee - wouldn't it ?

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 17, 2021 10:41 pm

Why would you wear a mask in the open air ? Being vaccinated should greatly reduce being infected or an infectee - wouldn't it ?

Careful Steve... that kinda sounds like logic

I usually don't wear a mask in open air. I just assume since this is California, it might be required.

I just wondered if there are any restrictions or requirements to attend as it relates to COVID.

I am looking forward to attending. Can't wait!

My wife & I intend on driving down from Washington and our state has some peculiar restrictions going on up here - that's why I commented !

It's easy - if a mask is required, wear a mask. If a mask is not required bu you feel more comfortable wearing one, then wear one. If you're fully vaccinated and don't want to wear a mask and it's not required, then don't. If you're not sure - well, you've been wearing a mask for the past year... N-95s are no longer unobtanium, so is wearing one going to kill you? If it was - you'd already be as dead as my friends who died from Covid...

I have looked at all the online information, and there seems to be some confusion.
The SWAPARAMA is on Saturday.
When would we be allowed to set up our swap meet booths for the Bakersfield/Tulare Prewar Brass meet?
I have heard we can do it on Friday, and also that we CAN'T set our booths up until Saturday morning. Which is it?
What are the actual hours for the "Bakersfield/Tulare Brass Meet" versus the SWAPARAMA that is happening the same weekend in the same location?
When can the SWAPARAMA people set up their booths?
When can the "Bakersfield/Tulare" people set up THEIR booths?
Thanks to anyone who has the correct info for this.
Bill

Comment removed by me.

Less than two weeks away!! The set-up time is on Friday from 9:00am to 9:00pm. This is for ALL vendors regardless if they are in the "general" swap-meet, (swap-o-rama), or in the Pre-War/Brass-Era area. There will also be set-up time available early Saturday morning starting at 6:00am. The swap-meet will open to the public at 7:30 Saturday morning. I hope the vendors are getting their wares ready for the sale and the buyers are filling their pockets with cash in anticipation of the massive amount of purchasing I'm sure will be happening. The weather should be nice. The use of masks was discussed in a few posts, (just use common sense please). I'm really looking forward to a very successful event. Please drive safely on your way to Tulare and I'll see many of you in just a couple of weeks. Lets have fun!!! With Kind Regards, Bill Bennett

Thanks for the info!
I am looking forward to it with great anticipation!

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I am looking for a "working" brass dash clock, something similar to the one pictured below, if any of you know someone who has one or might be bringing one to the Bakersfield Swap Meet in Tulare, CA.
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Just a few days away!! The inaugural Tulare Brass-Era/Pre-War Swap Meet!!! The set-up day is Friday from 9:00am-9:00pm for all vendors. Gates open at 7:30 Saturday for general admission. Let's turn out in droves to support this event. If you want to continue to have an event of this type on the West Coast, the only to keep it alive is to show up in support. The weather will be very warm on Friday and a little cooler on Saturday, plan accordingly. I'll have four spaces FULL of Model "T" and early car parts. I'll have an additional four spaces in the Swap-O-Rama area with later model stuff. I'll be posting daily to try and instill a little enthusiasm. This should be a very good meet this year and, I hope, even better in the future. Again, its only possible with YOUR support. Don't be hesitant, have a look to see what Tulare has to offer. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised!! This IS going to be FUN!! With Kind Regards, Bill Bennett

I've had reservations at the Best Western for two months. It appears a lot of old car people will be staying there, but there are many other motels in town as well. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from as well. I want to thank Bill for all the work he has done to make this happen. See you all there.

Just a few short days 'til we move in at Tulare. Weather will be very warm on Friday and still quite warm on Saturday with clouds-NO RAIN!!! I'm loading four trailer loads of early car parts, (mostly Model "T"). I'll post a partial list to try and entice a few buyers to come see the goods. Here's what I'm going to do for all. I'll have my stuff laid out on Friday or early Saturday morning, but I'm NOT going to sell ANYTHING 'til after 7:30 Saturday morning. I'm very pleased with the positive response. I truly think we can have a world class event at this location. The possibilities are just about limitless!! If you're still undecided about coming, decide to come!! I'm confident you won't be dis-appointed. The saying goes, if you build it, they will come. We've built it, its up to YOU----to come!! We're going to have a LOT of FUN!!! Kind Regards, Bill Bennett

I tried to get Best Western, however they were booked up for those dates. I got one at the Comfort Inn. That was booked last week. There are also several other small towns nearby, so good luck.
Norm

Got a question: If I am not signed up as a vendor, can I still get in on Friday? What do I need to do to be able to come in on Friday? Thanks.

Ron Mac wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 27, 2021 4:12 pm

Got a question: If I am not signed up as a vendor, can I still get in on Friday? What do I need to do to be able to come in on Friday? Thanks.

Mac,

All you need to do is call the Ag Center and register as a vendor. This will only cost you $50 and you will receive two Friday and two Saturday wristbands (=$20 back) to get you in with the big boys. Plus, you can park your car inside in your vendor spot.
Swap Meet Flyer link below.

See you there.

Less than 48 hours 'til move-in!! They're STILL expanding the area for swap spaces and will probably continue to do so right up to 7:30 Saturday morning. The response has been, and continues to be, fantastic. I hope all goes well with check-in. There might be a FEW snags, but please be patient with us. With any new venue and/or event, there are bound to be a few rough spots along the way, but we'll smooth out all of those and learn from our experience this year and make next year even better. I'll have a total of eight spaces along Row "H" on both sides of the row. Stop by and say Hi! I look forward to seeing many of you there. The fun is about to begin!! Kind Regards, Bill Bennett

Well everybody, tomorrow is the big move-in day. It looks like we'll have about 400 vendor spaces sold in the Brass-Era/Pre-War area. That's about the same number available at the Bakersfield site, but the spaces in Tulare are larger. It will be very warm tomorrow and only slightly cooler on Saturday. Plan accordingly, big hats, sun screen, lots of water, (you know the routine). This will be my last post on this thread 'til after the Swap Meet. I'm pleased and humbled by the overwhelming positive response. Thanks to all of you. Many, many people "stepped up" for this event. You know who you are---THANK YOU ALL. I truly look forward to seeing many of you in Tulare. I'm going to have fun! Are you? With Kind Regards, Bill Bennett

This will be my last post on this thread. I will start another thread soon to provide up-dates about up-coming events. There were a large number of people involved in making the Tulare Swap Meet a success. Steven Chase, Vic Groah, Jim Holguin, Brian Blain, Sheila Bennett, my wife (very importantly), and many other individuals. I can't remember all those that helped, but thank you all!! The biggest group that really made the event a success, however, were all the vendors and buyers. If you weren't there, there would have not been a reason for having the Swap Meet. THANK YOU ALL!!!!! I'd like to hear feedback about the event, both positive and negative, so we can make plans to improve on it next year and in the future. I hope everybody had fun, I know I sure did!! With Kind Regards, Bill Bennett P.S. Just to let you all know, (if there were any questions about this), I DO NOT work for the International Agri-Center. I'm simply an auto mechanic that has had a life-long passion for antique cars. I gained Nothing monetarily from this event other than the money from a few parts I sold at my vendor space, (which I paid for). As a matter of fact, I lost about a months wages due to the time spent working on the organization of this event. It was well worth it and I would/will do it again!! Again, Thank You ALL for your support.

Bill- THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Everything was absolutely PERFECT and a GREAT TIME was had by ALL.
If it wasn't for you and your team, we would not have had an event to attend. This event would not have happened if it were not for YOU.

I know there was talk about moving next year's event to the traditional April dates. I like the pairing of the two automotive swap meets as it gave people lots to see and do for two days. Even the "regular" swap meet had a good amount of prewar parts scattered about, some great automobilia and the car corral had interesting offerings.

I know these events take a lot of time and effort and nothing good happens without a lot of work by one person or a small group. THANK YOU again for doing this for our hobby.