Twenty-five years ago this July, Wagga hosted the first Swap Meet for car enthusiasts and collectors of all kinds of paraphernalia.

Des Gibbs, one of the members of host organisation the Classic and Historic Automobile Club of Australia, said it’s a huge event.

“I have been involved in the Swap Meet for 10 years and every year it gets bigger and bigger,” he said. 

“I have been making the signs for the event that whole time and they’re all done for nothing.”

Mr Gibbs said it’s so popular because of all the items that are available. 

“There’s heaps of car parts and books and crockery. It’s a monster garage sale and the showground is full.”

Mr Gibbs loves volunteering for the Swap Meet, even if it means he isn’t able to peruse the sales himself

“We don’t get a chance to buy much because we’re so busy,” he said. 

“It’s a lot of fun and we have a new committee this year and we’re trying to smooth things out.

Now the biggest of its type in NSW and one of the largest nationally with more than 900 stall holders, the swap meet sees up to 8000 people walking through the gates from all over Australia.

Trevor Garth and Brian Horsley, members of the original organising committee reminisced about the very first Swap Meet held at the Wagga Wagga Showgrounds.

“We started with 85 sites the first year and word of mouth has helped us to grow substantially each year after that,” Mr Horsley said.  

“These days, 70 percent of sites are pre-booked from year to year.”

“We have had an amazing run” added Mr Garth. 

“Even though the Meet has always been in the middle of winter, we have never been washed out and the crowds have always turned up regardless of the temperature.”

Profits from the Meet have been divided between a number of local charities over the years, which will total close to $500,000 following this year.

The Wagga Swap Meet will be held at the Wagga Showgrounds on Sunday July 15.