What started out some 20 years ago as a way to raise money to develop a special museum near South Haven has turned into a love affair for all sorts of things related to tractors and the like, and the tradition will continue next month.
More than 160 vendors selling everything from antiques to toys are expected at the annual "Swap Meet and Hammer In" at the Michigan Flywheelers Museum.
This year marks the 20th anniversary for the fundraising event which includes a "Hammer In" and antique tractor pulls.
The two-day event will start at 8am on Friday, June 10 and run until 4pm on Saturday, June 11 at the museum which is located on 68th street in South Haven.
Larry Weniger is Vice President of the Museum. He says, "We started this event as a way to raise money to develop the museum." He adds, "While its much smaller and more low-key than our antique tractor and engine show in September, it has been growing by leaps and bounds."
Because there is no pre-registration, Weniger said that they never know what people will be bringing in to sell. Although it started as a event for vintage tractor and engine collectors to buy, sell and trade parts, he says it has evolved into one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the area.
In conjunction with the Swap Meet is the Hammer In. Started four years ago, the Hammer In is a gathering of local blacksmiths who spend the weekend working on projects, discussing the trade and demonstrating techniques for visitors. Those coming on Saturday can also watch a tractor pull hosted by the members of the Lakeshore Antique Tractor Club. The pull starts at 11am.
Held rain or shine, gates open at 8am both days. Admission is $2 per person and includes the Swap Meet, Hammer In and Tractor Pull. Children under 12 are free with an adult. Please note this is a pet-free event. For those interested in selling, cost is $10 per vendor. Pre-registration is not required. Set-up for vendors starts on Thursday, June 9 at 8am.
Camping is available during the Swap Meet. Cost is $10 per night per camping unit plus daily admission per person. Electrical hook-up is $10 extra. There is a $15 registration fee for anyone bringing in personal transportation vehicles, such as golf carts.
All proceeds from the events are used for operational expenses and education projects at the museum.
The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is located at 06285 68th Street. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of antique farm machinery and its history. It hosts one of the largest antique engine and tractor shows in the state every September. This year's show will be held Thursday, September 8 through Sunday, September 11.
