Did I read correctly somewhere, a while back, that there will be no more Sunflower Swap Meet in Witchita, KS? Was in Feb. if I remember correctly. Kinda surprised me, I though that one was going strong.
40th and Final - according to the guys in the Wichita A's club who have slaved for years to keep it happening. There are rumbles around town - guys saying they'll take it over, but my guess is they only see dollars in their eyes, and aren't really into providing a service and a social event for the old car community. Shame, really - this thing draws people from all over the middle of the country, and they'll miss it bigtime.
Aircap noted, the other thread could be moderated together. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/index.php?threads/957636/
Now this really SUCKS BIG TIME....I have been going to this thing for so dam many years I can't tell you. Great break in those winter months in the mid west. I have driven in snow storms, ice storms and even a few times with sun shine. It will be missed by all.
I'm sorta' glad that I searched this...........and then to see that it's the last one......We have chased many parts there in the FREEZING weather and driven there with leaving the night before to get there in a 'white out' snow storm. Chris
Has been my FAVORITE weekend of the year for me and my brothers for many years. It seemed like way more than any other swap meet. It was like a social event where all car guys shot the breeze about each others projects and adventures as much as looked for parts. Every year as I left the front doors I would think to myself, Damn, it will be a whole year till next time. This time leaving will kick my ass for sure !
Similar thing here in Indiana. For decades there was a big swap meet in the Spring and Fall at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Announced last month that is would be no more. Just couldn't get the turn out of buyers and the sellers gradually dwindled.
The latest rumor says the swap meet is to be continued by the same group that puts on the starbird Devlin car show at century 2. It is moving to the Kansas Star Casino Pavillion in Mulvane Kansas which is about 10 minutes south of Wichita
Hadn't heard that one, but it makes sense. Devlin and his guys have lots of money, and the Kansas Star has plenty of room. It's also right next to the highway, so access is no trouble. If this one is true, I anticipate teething problems for them to solve. We'll see!
The president of the Wichita Model A Club made the announcement that they sold the Swap Meet. It will be held at the Kansas Star Casino. There is not going to be as many spaces available as there were at the Coliseum. The new operators of the swap meet are very capable and will not have any teething problems. Hopefully they will return to having outdoor swap spaces. No negative comments needed from aircap Wichita A’s Members, The Wichita A’s Club board met December 15, 2014 to consider four proposals for the sale of the club’s interest in the Sunflower Swap Meet. The board selected the proposal submitted by John Saindon on behalf of the Sunflower Charity Swap Meet (“SCSM”). SCSM is in the process of becoming a non-profit corporation. They are affiliated with the Starbird-Devlin charity car show which is January 16th-18th. Proceeds from this year’s Starbird-Devlin car show will be divided among The ARC of Sedgwick Co, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Starkey Inc. The SCSM will operate in much the same model with 1/3 of the proceeds going to the ARC and the remaining 2/3 divided between 2 charities which will be decided each year much like our own club has selected different worthy causes from year to year. The 2016 SCSM will be held at the Kansas Star Casino facility. The facility is smaller and space will be limited. Details are being developed and announcements will follow. The SCSM will be operated by a group of volunteers in the same model as the Starbird-Devlin charity car show. John extended a warm invitation to any Wichita A’s member who would like to offer their time and expertise in helping with the new SCSM. On January 6th, 2015, as club president, I signed an agreement with John Saindon who signed on behalf of SCSM. The agreement includes the following: SCSM will pay the Wichita A’s Club (“WAC”) the sum of $10,000.00 on or before February 4th, 2015. SCSM will provide forty (40) 10 X 10 booth spaces at market price, reserved for WAC members. (Unused booth spaces will be reassigned) SCSM will pay WAC all money derived from said WAC member booth rental within 10 days of each year’s meet closing. In exchange the WAC will provide the SCSM with a current listing of all vendors and other information about the swap meet. At the January 26th club meeting, the program will be on the upcoming 2015 swap meet. Tom Ruggles will give details about the swap meet and answer any questions. Signup sheets will be available for the various jobs that need to be filled. Attendance by all club members is extremely important. Also at the January 26th meeting John Saindon will be available to explain his organization and their goals. He will have a sign-up sheet available for Wichita A’s members to lock in their swap meet space at the 2016 swap meet which will be held at the Kansas Star Casino. I believe space will be limited and it will be important for you to take advantage of this opportunity to have “first choice”. If you have any questions feel free to call me at 1 Attachment Article on Swap Meet Sale 1-6-15 .pdf Download View Reply, Reply All or Forward | More Click to reply all An error occurred while uploading. Dismiss 0 Attachments Remove All Send Attach Files Trouble uploading? Try our Basic Uploader. Your screen elements are hidden from view. Press Esc or move pointer to the center of the screen to return to Mail. Press Esc or move pointer here to return to Mail.
Are booth spaces for 2016 going to be made available for sign up, at this years swap meet, or any time before?
The Wichita A’s have sold the Sunflower Swap Meet to a local car enthusiast, John Saindon. The new swap meet name is Kansas Sunflower Swap Meet for Charity. It will held at the Kansas Pavilions again next year. The dates will remain on the first Friday and Saturday of February. 2016 KANSAS SUNFLOWER SWAP MEET FOR CHARITY Swap Meet date: February 5-6, 2016 Move in date: February 4, 2016 Kansas Pavilions 1279 E 85th St. N (I-135 and 85th St. N off Exit 17) Park City, KS Email: [email protected]
I wonder about being able to get in on set up day if not vending? I had always gone on thurs and fri, There was always a no selling rule on thurs but it seemed that we were able to get around that...
Come by the south side of the main building - booth A-26. Free coffee all day, maybe free chili or other goodies. Plus, I lost almost 80 pounds since last time so I'm handsome as hell.
Good article on the swap meet in the Wichita Eagle.... I got some ink for my club, so that's cool.... http://www.kansas.com/news/local/article58902433.html
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