BobT-47P15 Posted February 6, 2014 Report Posted February 6, 2014 I think someone here said they go to Hershey and have for several years. And/or some have gone at least once. So.........My friend Nils and I are thinking of attending this year. He has a friend from another state who says they stay in Harrisburg, which appears to be only 10 miles or so from Hershey. We were wondering if it would be better to hit the meet early, and probably go for two days,..... or is it better to go toward the last (do vendors lower their prices so they won't have to take stuff home?) Is there any place anyone recommends to stay.....either city or hotel...? I think my friend's buddy stays at a Howard Johnson's in Harrisburg? It's about a 1200 mile drive from here in S.W. Mo to Hershey. Thanks for any input. Bob Quote
bamfordsgarage Posted February 6, 2014 Report Posted February 6, 2014 Hi Bob — in my experience (twice), many vendors pack up after the first couple of days. So the prices can be lower but there is less stuff available. Quote
desoto1939 Posted February 6, 2014 Report Posted February 6, 2014 Since Saturday is the car show most of the venders have packed out on Friday night. The venders can enter the flea market area on Tues to start setup. Officialy the swap meet starts on WEed. This is when alot of the venders send out their scouts to also look for parts that they need and to resell. So Wed, Thursday and Frid are the best days. This year since we had a rain storm directly over the Hershey area it started on later Thurdsay and pured on Friday so the venders checked out on Friday morning and some even left on Thursday night. Also remember that some of these venders spent the prior week at Carlise so they would hvae been away for aprox 2 weeks from home. HAve been going for 25 years. Also rooms are hard to get they charge for a 4 night stay as a min and usually ask for at least $100+ per night if you can even find one. Rich HArtung Desoto1939@aol.com Quote
alsancle Posted February 6, 2014 Report Posted February 6, 2014 Wed & Thursday are the prime time days. If the weather is good then Friday will be a good day too. Saturday the swap meet is 50% or less filled as many vendors are gone. Harrisburg is a fine place to stay and not a bad ride at all. I have stayed at the Lodge for many years which is only a couple of miles from the field and the site of the RM auction but it is pricey. Quote
alsancle Posted February 6, 2014 Report Posted February 6, 2014 I should add that weather is the critical factor here. If the weather is great then a Saturday is better than a Thursday (like last year) that is pouring. If the weather is really bad just pass. Quote
desoto1939 Posted February 6, 2014 Report Posted February 6, 2014 Also wear good walking shoes. The entire swap meet in on asphalt so it is hard on the feet. Also bring the cash and lots of it. The prices are always high at Hershey. I heard that the venders spot for next year is $95. So the venders are already out of $100 plus traveling costs to get there. So they are at least trying to get even and make some money for the return trip home. Also some of the venders have taken their work vacation time fjust to attend the event.. Also bring rain gear ome years we get perfect weather and then others it can rain it just part of the show. The fields in years past were all dirt except for a few parking lots. When it rained it was mud city with ruts in the asiles that were at least ankle deep. There are some real good stories of walking and boots getting stuck and a guy just standing on one foot and trying not to fall while trying to get the other shoe out of the mud and back on. There was one field that had a major hill and people would try to go down it during the rain and they would slip and go down the hill on their butts and everyone had some real good laughs. No matter if rain or shine usually everyone has a good time. This is MECA of the Northeast. I have been attending for over 25 years and you keep going back year after year. Rich Hartung desoto1939@aol.com Quote
BobT-47P15 Posted February 7, 2014 Author Report Posted February 7, 2014 Well.........it looks like we will be going to Hershey this year. Booked a room in Harrisburg today, so that takes care of the biggest thing. It's about an 1100 mile trip from here to there, so will be two days of driving. Since neither my friend Nils or I need anything pressing for a vehicle.........we will simply be looking and see what presents itself. Quote
desoto1939 Posted February 7, 2014 Report Posted February 7, 2014 bob stay in touch with me. I live about 1:45 from Hershey. Will try to meet up if we can. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com Quote
BobT-47P15 Posted February 8, 2014 Author Report Posted February 8, 2014 OK Rich. Lets trade phone numbers via PM. Quote
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