Early Bird Swap Meet Celebrates 50 Years of Collectibles in Lethbridge

The Early Bird Swap Meet, a highlight for vintage car enthusiasts and collectors, will take place on February 14, 2024, at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre in Alberta. This event, organized by the Southern Alberta Antique and Classic Auto Club (SAACAC), marks its fiftieth annual gathering, celebrating decades of automotive history and collectibles.

Since its inception in 1976, the Early Bird Swap Meet has evolved into one of the premier events of its kind in Western Canada. Initially hosted in a member’s garage, the meet quickly outgrew its humble beginnings. It transitioned to larger venues over the years, including locations in Vulcan and Fort Macleod, before settling in Lethbridge. By 2020, the meet had expanded significantly, utilizing all four available pavilions to accommodate over 200 vendors and around 430 tables filled with automotive parts and memorabilia.

Randy Ross, who has been a member of the SAACAC since 2005, assumed the role of coordinator for the Swap Meet three years ago. “I put my hand up,” he recalls with a laugh, noting that he faced no competition for the position. Ross’s passion for vintage cars sparked after he inherited two Studebakers, a 1947 Champion and a 1963 Hawk, from his father, along with a 1930 Ford Model A.

Growth and Adaptation Through the Years

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the event in 2021, but it returned in a scaled-back format in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, the Swap Meet will be fully housed in the newly constructed Trade & Convention Centre, which boasts four halls. “We’re renting three of them,” Ross explains. “Each hall is 26,000 square feet, giving us a total of 78,000 square feet of swap meet space.”

Despite the initial challenges of coordinating the event in a new venue, Ross believes the transition has been successful. The meet now encompasses not just car parts but a diverse range of antiques and collectibles, including vintage toys, advertising signs, and handcrafted items. “It draws in a bigger crowd, and there really is something here for everybody to see,” he adds.

Vendors from across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, are expected to participate in the upcoming meet. Ross, who has recently retired from his dual career as a farmer and plumber, continues to maintain and drive his classic cars, often rebuilding their engines himself.

Community Impact and Future Plans

The Early Bird Swap Meet not only serves as a gathering place for enthusiasts but also contributes to local charities. Funds raised from the event are donated to various community causes, including support for nursing homes and hospitals. “It’s quiet over Christmas, but things have picked up as the event approaches,” Ross notes, emphasizing the dedication required to organize such a large-scale event.

On February 14, attendees can expect a vibrant marketplace filled with unique finds. General admission is $5 (cash only), while entry is free for those under 16. As the SAACAC prepares for its milestone event, the Early Bird Swap Meet continues to foster a sense of community among vintage car lovers and collectors, ensuring its legacy for years to come.