MTFCA Forum

Is there any infomation about the Swap meet that took the place of the old Bakersfield meet in California? Is there going to be one this year?

From what I hear, it will be at the Famoso drag strip as it was last year, about 10 miles north of Bakersfield.

What would the dates be?

They normally hold the meet the first weekend in May which would be May 3-4. Have not seen any official announcements yet for this year.

Word is Bill Bennett is working feverishly to make it happen. Thank you for your efforts Bill!

It used to be just after the middle of April.

I do not know. However, for whatever it is worth? On the AACA forum, Freighter Jim posted a couple hours ago that the site has been leased out from under them and may not be available to the planned swap meet?
Anybody in touch with those close to the situation know anything for certain?

Bill asked me to post the following message for him as he is experiencing computer issues; however, he wanted to update all regarding the Bakerfield Swap Meet.

Here's the "skinny" on the swap meet. The Famoso drag strip is not going to be available. It is under new ownership and they do not have a slot in their schedule for us. They also don't seem too "keen" on hosting a swap meet. I am working on finding another venue for the swap meet. I have a few ideas and have contacted them about the possibility. It's all going to come down to availability for a suitable weekend. I set a "must have confirmed" date of February 14th. If I can't find a location by then, I'll have to "re-set" and start to schedule for next year. I'm not ready to give up on this event!! I firmly believe we need to have a west coast event-preferably in the spring. Summer is simply too hot and I don't want to compete with the fall event in Hershey. I will keep people informed about my progress. The next two weeks will tell all. Let's keep this wonderful hobby alive!! Kind Regards, Bill.

What about getting back into the Tulare Fair Grounds? Is that an option? I know we got kicked out due to the flooding but that is now a couple years in the past. Are the Fair Grounds even open any more?

Bill indicated he is looking at many options. That is one of the options. Personally, I wouldn't want to deal with the headache. I'm glad Bill is willing to do so. A good man indeed.

What happened to the Bakersfield Fair Grounds?

Unfortunately, the Bakersfield Swap Meet is no more. Maybe, in time, another will pick up the torch and revisit it.

Definitely not going to happen this year, maybe never. Got the bad news on FB this morning. Diesman garage posted it. Tragic loss of a great guy. RIP Bill Bennett.

I hope someone will continue this meet, It has a really great history. The years it was on the grass at Kern county fairgrounds were the best, so many great memories there. We lost a great guy in Bill.

Too many good things and people being lost. This is very sad indeed, on so many levels.

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February 3, 2025

Bill and his love for our hobby will be missed greatly.

Those who have assisted Bill Bennett over the past 4 years in keeping the Bakersfield Brass Era/ PreWar Swap Meet going are committed to carrying on Bill’s legacy. If there is a path to a 2025 Bakersfield Swap Meet in Tulare, CA., this team will find it. Keep positive thoughts.

Announcements will follow as information becomes available.
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