Bakersfield- Famosa drag strip swap meet

[KimDobbins]

The first swap meet at this location was a winner. Lots of good stuff there, great weather and lots of old friends. Spaces at this new venue are large and there is lots of room to grow. The property owner and organizers are committed to growth, looks like the future is good for this meet. Thanks to all who had a hand in this meet.

[Steve Jelf]

Sounds like a good time for my next California visit.

[ThreePedalTapDancer]

Any pictures?

[SoNorCal]

Though I rarely post here, I want to chime in and agree with Kim the Bakersfield/Famosa swap meet was a great event that looks like it will only get better going forward. Originally we only had a single long row of prewar spaces. The facility was flooded with requests for prewar spaces, and opened more spaces. Rumor I heard was that the day of the event 2/3 of the spaces were prewar, and the facility was overjoyed. The prewar spaces were kept together, so did not have to “ hunt” between spaces with newer things unless you wanted to do so.

The facility was wonderful. It was paved, for those who remember the floods and mud of Bakersfield's past. The spaces were large, you were not cramped. They have room to easily triple the amount of space if it makes sense (as a former Army airfield they only use a tiny part of the drag strip’s lot simply to make it easier to monitor) Anytime you are providing 2/3 of the spaces sold, the facility is motivated to want you back.

Attractions included the “Ragtime racers” having a booth and occasionally driving their vintage historic race cars around. Vehicles “for sale” often were seen chugging their way around as well. You could rent a golf cart, or flag down a volunteer in a cart to to help move heavy items. In addition it looked like some folks had personal carts and bicycles. I met many of my friends and made new ones. I had amazing conversations with folks and learned a lot from everyone. I found parts I needed at very reasonable prices, and the variety was good. There were real rarities and treasures all around. Not just parts, but accessories, dealer display items, etc. I also sold some things I no longer needed, and am happy a new custodian will now be taking care of them.

The location is not bad at all. For LA/ San Diego folks it’s only another 15/20 minutes further up the 99. I stayed in Bakersfield and it was a 15-20 minutes drive. For Northern California /Oregon/ Washington folks it’s further than Tulare, but closer than the old Bakersfield. I met friends (or heard others had seen friends) from LA, Orange County, San Diego, Salinas , San Francisco Bay Area , Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Canada, and Australia. (Unsure why some fuss about the new location, it’s hard to imagine people who love automobiles and driving worry about a 15-20 minute drive)

So a big “Thank You” for the organizers who have secured this new location for all of us. I also want tho thank those who founded the old Bakersfield meet at the fairgrounds long ago and kept it going so long. Also a huge thank you to those who picked up the torch in Tulare for a few years when we “lost our lease”.

I’m already looking forward to next year!

[Norman Kling]

It's also spaced from the California coast, like San Luis Obisco and Santa Maria etc. And Palmdale, Victorville, Barstow and even Las Vegas so very convenient and central location for all.

[Nv Bob]

Was there pics are up Famoso drag strip FB page
6+ hour drive down from northern Nv
Great see good friends making new ones buying and selling
Even found couple things for the 08 Reo and sold everything I the Famoso folks where great and I'm sure they do it again
Left around 2 and headed Turlock for another swapmeet on Sunday
Headed home after that hit snow but got home no issues.
Hopefully see everyone next year
Nv bob

[Philip Lawrence]

Here are some photos of the Rag Time Racers

[Russ_Furstnow]

My son, son-in -law and I made the treck to Bakersfield, and we were all pleasantly suprised at the organization and size of the event. There were many vendors in the "Pre-War Era" swap spots, and the foot traffic was also very good. Also, there were many good parts and the prices were very fair. We are already planning to attend the swap meet next year.