Early Bird Swap Meet Celebrates 50 Years of Antique Treasures

The Early Bird Swap Meet will take place on February 14, 2024 at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta. Hosted by the Southern Alberta Antique and Classic Auto Club (SAACAC), this year marks the 50th anniversary of the event, which has grown to be recognized as one of the premier swap meets in Western Canada.

Originating in 1976, the first swap meet was held in a member’s garage. Over the years, the event moved to various locations, including Vulcan and Fort Macleod, before settling in Lethbridge at Exhibition Park. Initially utilizing the 4-H building, the meet expanded as popularity surged, ultimately filling all four pavilions to accommodate over 200 vendors and approximately 430 swap meet tables by 2020.

Randy Ross, who has been with SAACAC since 2005, took on the role of coordinator for the Early Bird Swap Meet three years ago. Ross, a resident of Lethbridge, inherited two Studebakers from his father, igniting his passion for vintage automobiles. “I put my hand up,” Ross said, recalling his willingness to volunteer. “I didn’t have any competition.”

Event Growth and Community Engagement

The swap meet faced interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to its cancellation in 2021. The event returned in 2022 in a reduced capacity and continued into 2023. With the completion of a new Trade & Convention Centre, the swap meet transitioned to this modern facility, marking a significant upgrade for vendors and attendees alike.

“With four halls in the new facility, we’re renting three of them,” Ross explained. Each hall spans 26,000 square feet, providing a total of 78,000 square feet for the swap meet. This expansion not only accommodates a larger number of vendors but also diversifies the offerings beyond car parts to include antiques, collectibles, and crafts.

Vendors from across Western Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, are set to participate in the upcoming event. Ross noted the inclusion of various collectibles, stating, “It draws in a bigger crowd, and there really is something here for everybody to see.”

Supporting Local Causes

The Early Bird Swap Meet is not only a hub for vintage car enthusiasts but also a community-centered event that gives back. Proceeds from the event are donated to local charities, including nursing homes and hospitals. Coordinating the swap meet requires about an hour of Ross’s time each day as he manages vendor inquiries and organizes advertising efforts.

As the anniversary event approaches, Ross has observed increased interest and enthusiasm from the community. “It’s quiet over Christmas, but it’s picked back up with the event approaching,” he said, outlining the preparations for a successful meet.

The Southern Alberta Antique and Classic Auto Club invites all car enthusiasts and collectors to join the festivities on February 14. Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 4 p.m., with general admission priced at $5 (cash only) and free entry for those under 16.

The Early Bird Swap Meet continues to be a cherished tradition, celebrating not only the love for classic cars but also fostering community spirit in Lethbridge and beyond.