By Conrad Easterday, Editor
conrad@washitavalleyweekly.com

The Spring Auto Swap Meet in Chickasha is smaller than the fall meet, but it’s still a big event on Chickasha’s calendar with hundreds of spaces filled by enthusiasts seeking to trade, buy and sell anything and everything to do with automobiles.
“It has been going on for over 50 years,” said Candace Wilson, secretary of the Chickasha Antique Auto Club, which sponsors and oversees the Meet. “People bring in their automobiles and auto-related items. Depending on the weather, we probably sell 300-500 spaces at the Swap Meet.”
The spring event will take place May 9-11 on 20 acres at 712 E. Choctaw next to the Grady County Fairgrounds. Reserving a 10 x 30 foot space before April 15 saved Swap Meet participants $10 off the current $50 fee, Wilson said. Spaces are still available.
Attendance is free, but a $5 fee is collected for parking at the fairgrounds and supports Special Young Adults, Wilson said.
Attendees and exhibitors can enjoy drinks and food from three vendors this spring, including:
KIG Barbecue from Anadarko
BK Burgers from the Ada area
Guiltless Concessions from Tuttle
Among the rows of vendor items, visitors can find:
Classic and current auto parts
Special interest items
Memorabilia & Signs
Antiques
Street Rods & Muscle Cars
Cars & Trucks
Custom Items
Vehicles do change hands at the Swap Meet, Wilson noted. Some attendees have been known to bring notary publics with them. Sometimes more cautious buyers look during the meet and conclude deals later.
The event, which focuses on early and classic era automobiles, is the largest of its kind in the nation.
“We have lots of small vendors. They come from all over the country,” Wilson explained. “We have some guys from Australia on a regular basis, and all over the United States. I work hard getting to know these regulars. It’s just a good atmosphere. They’re like a big family.”
The family started in 1969 with nine founding members of the Chickasha Antique Auto Club who grew into the Rock Island Depot building, restoring it with a federal grant and matching funds. The depot was given to the city in 2007, although the club maintains offices there. In 2006, the spring and fall swap meets moved to the current 20 acres on Choctaw. Anyone wanting to join the club can contact Wilson at 405-224-6552 or President Harold Irby.