Portland, IN May Swap Meet

I am attempting to check out a few new shows this year and have to get my vacation set at work early this year. I haven't been to the spring Portland, IN swap meet since 2002. I always hear about the fall show but never hear anything about the spring swap meet. I would appreciate any feedback I could obtain as it will be a 4-hr one-way trip for me from central IL. I consider everything "worth my while;" just some things are "more" worth it.

Thank you for your time, feedback, and opinions.

Spring swap meet is May 16 - 19. 2018. The spring swap meet is much larger than the fall meet. Well worth your time to attend.

Bring a jacket and knee boots. Don't know what the weather will be. I have seen hot and dry, wet and cold, even one year there was a tornado but did not touch down at the swap meet, just blew a lot and trimmed limbs overhead.

It is usually a large event. I am about 3-1/2 hours but I go most years.

It is big and a lot of walking. The swap meet is held in the camp ground the club owns for use when they put on the show across the street on the Fairgrounds. The parking for the swapmeet is on the fairgrounds. Good restrooms not the porta jobs. I am about an hour and half straight east of Portland. Some venders only come in for first day and others only come in on last day so different items each day.

Is it mainly lawn tractors & equipment ? Any tractor, plow vendors ?

The past few years I'd say there's more lawn & garden tractors, equipment, and parts than anything else, but there's something of everything. There are a lot of engines and engine parts. There's a couple of tire retailers. Several guys will have chainsaws. There are some plow parts and plows. There's many tractor parts vendors and several guys dedicated to selling literature and/or memorabilia. There'll be some complete tractors and equipment for sale. There'll be tool guys, new and used. The knick-knacks and garage sale stuff is increasing, but not terribly so. There are a few who come in with a few items but their real intent is "flipping" items that they buy at the swap meet.

Some vendors come in for only one day, and not necessarily the first day, but by Saturday it is thinning out. As far as I know, vendors are allowed to enter/leave at any time. I had a load of plow iron and ag parts on the North end the last 2 years. I also went a couple of times before looking to buy a few things. I enjoy it.

I would offer two pieces of advice. (1) Bring a cell phone. Some guys put their phone number by their stuff and roam around much of the time until they get a call. Also, (2) be prepared for anything Mother Nature can throw at you. The weather usually changes dramatically at least once during those 4 days.

AG

I will just ad on the sign with cell number make it readable, Have seen too many unreadable. I have bought pump jacks, lard presses, corn shellers and wringer washing machines for the Amish there as even tho they are in area within 30 mile just too hard for them to get there. You will never know what will show up.

Thank you all very much for the feedback, it is exactly what I was looking for. Looks like I had better get my "time" put in here at work this week to make sure I get there. Once again, thank you for the feedback as it is appreciated.