20th annual East Shelby swap meet returns to fairgrounds Sept. 18-19

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H  Fairgrounds will be the site Sept. 18 and 19 of the 20th annual “September to Remember” to benefit the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

David Green of East Shelby started the first event 19 years ago as a swap meet for collectors of antique and vintage vehicles. He had a 1953 Buick at the time, which he drove in parades when he was campaigning for sheriff.

He knew when he and other antique car buffs needed parts for their vehicles they had to travel to Carlisle, Pa., where they have one of the biggest automotive swap meets in the country. Carlisle has more than 7,000 vendors and as many as 2,200 vehicles for sale, Green said.

“If you collect old cars and you’re looking for a part, like a simple tail light, you can’t just go to the store and buy one,” he said.

The first swap meet was at the East Shelby Fire Hall and it was a huge success, Green said.

“It was so successful we decided to move it to the fairgrounds, where we had lots of room outside,” he said.

Green has had several old vehicles and now owns a 1980 short box Chevrolet truck and a 1978 Buick Regal Limited.

The Swap Meet has grown over the years to include food, a craft and antique show, flea market and car and truck show.

For $10, a vehicle owner can enter his car or truck he wishes to sell in the car corral.

The event is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will feature a truck show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday will have a car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Ladies Auxiliary will provide beef on weck, chili, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, cold drinks and donuts.

Vendors will be set up in the Lartz Building. One hundred vendor spaces are available, Green said.

There will be a $5 charge for parking, but admission is free. Proceeds benefit the East Shelby Fire Company, and help make up the revenue lost with the loss of bingo and their chicken barbecue.