Thompson

THOMPSON, CT. The 41st annual edition of Don Hoenig’s Original Automotive Swap Meet and Flea Market, slated for Saturday, November 3rd and Sunday, November 4th ,will once again attract over 1,500 vendors and thousands of buyers to the sprawling Thompson Speedway complex. The event is held rain or shine.

What started as a swap meet for race car owners and drivers, has grown into a massive compilation of just about anything and everything, new and used, automotive and more. From race cars, haulers, trailers, parts and accessories to antique cars, trucks and parts, motorcycles, snowmobiles, tools, shop equipment, arts and crafts and just about anything one can imagine, have become the mainstay of this amazing collection. Buyers arrive by the thousands to swoop up items at tremendous savings.

Dealers come from all over the eastern part of the U.S. for this annual event with many arriving days ahead of the opening. Even though the event is scheduled for two days, many vendors choose to take advantage of the early setup which is allowed on Friday. The nominal additional charge for a Friday setup allows these sellers the opportunity to select a favorite display spot and to be completely setup and operational when the gates open to the public on Saturday morning. Other vendors choose to arrive early on Saturday so that they are on hand when the gates open for sellers on both Saturday and Sunday at 5 AM.

The display area exceeds 100 acres and there are haulers available to assist buyers with their treasures. Visitors can expect to see everything from well equipped display trailers offering brand new items of every description to pickup trucks carrying items that are part of an individual’s fall cleaning project. The fun is two-fold for both buyers and sellers. The excitement and charm of traditional New England “wheeling and dealing” is a major attraction for all in attendance.

Display areas are 15’ x 30’ in size and sellers may purchase as many spaces as they need to display their wares. The cost is $75.00 per space. There are no advance reservations of rental space. Locations are available on first come-first served basis. Gates open for the public at 7 AM and the fun continues until 5 PM each day.