almost 20,000 classic car lovers from across the nation are expected to roll into Turlock this weekend for one of America’s marquee antique auto events, the Turlock Swap Meet.
The 55th annual Turlock Swap Meet will take place Saturdaythe 25th and Sunday the 26th at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, located at 900 N. Broadway.
The Turlock Swap Meet, which is always held on the last full weekend in January, began in 1965 at the McHenry Shopping Center in Modesto. Due to immediate popularity, the event quickly needed a larger venue and made the move to the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in 1966.
The Modesto Area A’s, a chapter of the Model A Ford Club of America, has sponsored the event since its beginning.
To help make this event run smoothly, the Club enlists the help of community service clubs and youth organizations, including Newman High School Future Farmers of America, Turlock Kiwanis Club, Turlock High School Future Farmers of America, Volunteers In Patrol, Turlock Police Dept.
Due to the large attendance of the annual event, Turlockers should expect increased traffic around the fairgrounds throughout the weekend.
Buyer parking will only be at the Polo Field located just off Soderquist Ave., across from the fairgrounds Soderquist entrance. On Saturday only, if exiting Hyway 99 at Fulkerth, the Turlock Police will direct buyer traffic South onto Tully, then left on West Canal. Turn left again onto Soderquist and into the parking lot. Sunday, there are no restrictions on accessing this parking lot. This lot opens at 6 AM and the gates are closed and locked at 6 PM
No dogs (except service dogs), firearms, or controlled substances will be allowed on the fairgrounds property. Also, no cruising of motorcycles, bikes, cars, golf carts, mopeds, scooters, or any other motorized conveyance is allowed. Only small handicapped vehicles designed for and used by handicapped individuals will be allowed.
The Turlock Swap Meet will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 on Saturday and $5 on Sunday; children ages 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
For more information on the Turlock Swap Meet, visit TurlockSwapMeet.com.
