Sunday Swap Meet build-up takes huge human feat

IF you’re a Bendigo-based car buff or collector of automotive miscellanea, you can’t possibly go past this Sunday’s 34th Centre State Swap Meet and Show n Shine at the Bendigo Racecourse.

For just $10 attendees can browse through hundreds of stalls and check out about 350 vintage, muscle and classic cars as well as a variety of trucks and motorbikes, all shmicked up especially for the showcase.

Rick Christensen from meet organisers Centre State Rodders said preparations for the annual event take up the best part of nine months.

“Like any event that anybody puts on, there’s a lot behind the scenes that people don’t see,” he said.

“From our end, by the time we’ve settled things and cleaned up and taken stock, it’s February before we’re finished and then May-June we’re looking at starting again.

“There’s so much prep and printing and all those types of things that just take so much time.”

With up to 3000 collectors and tag-alongs expected to turn up throughout the day, he said the most enthusiastic are usually waiting at the gates for the 7am start.

“Some (buyers) are there wanting to get in straight away and others will turn up at nine, 10, 11 o’clock – it depends on how keen they are,” he said.

The 34th Centre State Swap Meet and Show n Shine takes place this Sunday, 18 January, from 7am to 1pm at the Bendigo Racecourse in Heinz Street, Ascot.

Entry is $10 – no dogs, camping or BYO.