May 2-3, 2026
A Promising Start
This was a good show, although it ended up being a disappointing weekend because of the weather. The event was well laid out, and a good number of people arrived on the first day to browse the swap meet vendors and look at the cars and trucks on display.
An adjacent BBQ festival added even more to the experience, with plenty of delicious food choices for everyone. Live music in the evenings also helped create a fun atmosphere and gave visitors more to enjoy beyond the vehicles and vendor area.
Mother Nature Steps In
Unfortunately, day two was a disappointment, and it had nothing to do with the show, the organizer, or the planned activities. Once again, Mother Nature became the problem. I was beginning to wonder if the rain was following me from event to event.
Rain began toward the evening on the first day and continued through the night into the next morning. It was not heavy rain at first on the second day, but it was enough to affect the event. Only a handful of vendors returned for the second day, and several were moved closer to the festival area.
The Sole Survivor in the Field
Since my overnight booth setup was already in place, I wasn’t able to simply move. That left me as the sole survivor out in the field.
A few vehicles did arrive for the show and were also up where the remaining action was, but most left later in the morning when the rain returned. Since the morning was already looking questionable, I packed away the remaining boxes that had not gotten soaked after rain found its way into my booth overnight.
I walked through the show for a while that morning, but once the rain moved back in, I made the same decision that many of the other vendors outside had made: it was time to close up or leave.
Final Thoughts
Had the sun been out, this would have been a fantastic event weekend. The layout, turnout on the first day, BBQ festival, live music, vehicles, and vendor participation all showed the potential for a very enjoyable event. Since the event takes place annually, you know it has been a success in the past. This year was an exception.
Feedback from people who had attended in past years was that this was usually a good show. Hopefully, the weather cooperates for the next event so everyone who comes out can enjoy a full day of food, music, vehicles, and the many vendors. Before the rain that first night, there was a good turnout having food and listening to the music. Even I kicked back with a cold one to wrap up the day. No one expected it to be the wrap up most of the weekend. The person probably most disappointed would be the organizer and all the time spent getting this going for everyone, and then have nature decide it didn’t want it.
