Chickashanews.com

Top News

Related Photos

  • Larry Becker hangs out with his pink pig made from auto parts at the Pre-War Annual Swap Meet at the Grady County Fairgrounds on March 21. JESSICA LANE / EXPRESS-STAR

    DSCF5256.JPG

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
March 21, 2013

Swap meet brings car nuts to Grady

Jessica Lane, Staff Writer, jlane@chickashanews.com The Express-Star

CHICKASHA — Vendors from across the nation, buyers across the globe and cars from eras past all came together for the 23rd Annual PreWar Swap Meet at the Grady County Fairgrounds March 21 and March 22.

It's a pretty fast meet, according to Mike Ersland, one of the meet's founders. The vendors begin setting up on Wednesday afternoon, Thursday is a full day of buying, trading and showing and things start to thin out by Friday at noon.

Maine, Oregon and northern California are just some of the places where vendors come from. Erlsand said there is a regular at the meet who comes from Australia year after year.

About 367 vendors attended this year. There are about a thousand vendor spaces, with some vendors purchasing more than one space for their spread of parts, collector's items and pre-war cars, according to Susie Ersland. The meet has been up on vendors this year, she said.

The vendors span from the west side of the Grady County Fairgrounds main building, in all of the indoor buildings and out towards the outdoor arena. The indoor space is especially helpful during the unpredictable Oklahoma weather, Mike Ersland said.

Peggy McMahan, Grady County Fairgrounds Marketing Director, gave the Chickasha Leadership group a tour of the facilities during the meet. The group discussed the proposed expansion of the fairgrounds. A rendering of the new facility was on display during the meet.

Mike and Susie Ersland as well as vendors at the meet credited, McMahan and her staff as well as commissioner Windle Hardy for their involvement during the last 13 years adding improvements to the fairgrounds.

Read more about the proposed expansion of the Grady County Fairgrounds, which McMahan said will cost the community about $0.25 for every $100 spent, in a future issue of the Express-Star.

Text Only
Top News
  • WF-2012a.jpg Man finds inspiration from the king of rock

    When the office where Kraig Parker worked decided to throw an Elvis-themed party, there was just one question. Who would be the king?

    June 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • Man arrested after allegedly abusing emergency system

    Chickasha police apprehended Chickasha resident Harry Edward Foster for using 911 to make a false alarm on June 18 at the 600 block of North Seventh Street.

    June 19, 2013

  • DSC_2512.JPG Five pitchers see Chicks past Indians

    The Fightin’ Chicks will go into their big summer tournament this weekend on a high after securing two wins over Plainview Tuesday night.

    June 19, 2013 1 Photo

  • Man arrested for assault with truck

    Chickasha Police Officer Scott Weaver arrested resident Jorge Smith was arrested for assault with a dangerous weapon on June 17.

    June 19, 2013

  • Tuttle could shed title as largest city in America without cable

    Tuttle may be on the verge of getting a new cable system provider after city officials met with @Link yesterday following a U.S. Marshal's sale.

    June 18, 2013

  • 6-18 detour sign.jpg Heavy rains lead to road damage, detour

    The heavy rains over the weekend have put a dent in the drought. However, the 2.5 inches of precipitation also did some damage to a pipe under Lake Burtschi Road, Mike Lennier, Grady County Commissioner, District 2, said.

    June 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Woman's arrest results in police assault

    Chickasha Police Officer Lauren Mathews arrested Elizabeth Bailey for assault and battery upon a peace officer, possession of controlled substance without a valid prescription, operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, destroying evidence, following too closely and failure to signal intention of turning on June 15 at the 200 block of West Almar Drive.

    June 17, 2013

  • IMG_1473.JPG Anti-Mortem begins new adventure

    You wouldn't know Anti-Mortem is about to embark on their first national tour. The childhood friends sit around laughing, drinking beer and playing metal like it's business as usual with perfect composure. 

    June 14, 2013 1 Photo

  • Barbecue to benefit local Crime Stoppers

    The Grady County Sherriff’s Office and Chickasha Police Department will host a Crime Stoppers fundraiser on July 25 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Grady County Fairgrounds in the north building.

    June 14, 2013

  • dailymail.co.uk.jpg El Reno Canadian Valley still recovering after twister

    Nearly three weeks to the day, Canadian Valley Technology Center (CVTC) students and staff continue a process of recovery after an EF-5 struck their El Reno campus causing irreparable damage. 

    June 14, 2013 1 Photo