Hershey Stats
 

Just read the newsletter from the AACA.
Some interesting facts:
9,000 flea market spaces offered with 9,000 SOLD
700 Car Corral vehicles for sale
1000 Show Cars on the field
There were some open/unoccupied spaces evident.
That happens for number of reasons.
For example, this year I had my usual 3 spaces now in the Chocolate Field. I share them with a friend and his son.
Well, his son took ill at the last minute and was hospitalized, and they didn't attend. Neither did my items I planned to sell as they all were in his truck along with his sale items.
I wound up selling what few items I had with me out of the back of my Explorer. Anyone walking by would say it looked like 2 unsold spots.
I'm curious as to what next year's numbers will look like.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

I noticed those stats as well. I can certainly understand the circumstances of your buddy, but I have three spaces in the Orange Field and for the past three or so years there have a few spots near mine that have been vacant during that time frame.

Understandably, it's a swap meet and life's events take priority over old junk, but I do think there should be some way to enforce repeated no shows.

If you do the math, that was $810,000 just in swap spots. If they are all truly paid for, then I guess the AACA has no reason to care. I just think more filled spots makes it a better event.

Just my two cents.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

As a former vendor, and now a spectator, it upsets me to see almost 2 full rows in the Chocolate field with no parts for sale, just everyday vehicles parked there. This means a lot of walking for nothing. I am 83 years old, and this extra walking for nothing doesn't help my old legs. AACA should police this activity. The Carlisle events do police the area to see if the spaces are used to sell parts, or just to park your vehicles there. I go to see the flea market, If I want to see parked cars, I can just look across the street.

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I'm with Nickthebandit.
I attended 20+ years in a row ending in around 2012. At the end, I found WAY too many stalls used as parking places. When I started attending in 1990 there were very few stalls with just a modern car parked there. WAY too much walking to look at parked cars. For the largest swap meet in this area (Portland Oregon) you have to fill out a form that states what type of things you will be selling in your stalls. Committe member do walk around and check that you are actually selling what you said. There is a large list of things you cannot sell such as a car newer than some year that changes each year, firearms etc.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

In the paperwork you get from Hershey Region AACA, it does list items that are not permitted. With 9,000 spots and only manned by volunteers, I'd assume it's pretty tough to enforce.

What is also getting out of hand is the use of golf carts or other motorized vehicles. It chaps my ass when I see a younger person bound off one of things or hoards of people hanging off of one with only one person in it that truly needs it.

In the end, Hershey is still a great show, but I do think Hershey Region AACA is at a crossroads on managing the swap if they want it to continue to be considered the premier show.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

I started going to Hersehy occasionally in the 1990;s and then attending Hershey every meet since 2001. The folks at Hershey used to require a permit for an electric cart and there were very few. As the average age goes up one year every year, folks are getting old and now it seems like it's a free for all for bikes, motor bikes, etc. with no enforcement. Likewise AACA used to enforce the use of the spaces. Every year more people who purchased a space don't attend or just use the spot for parking. Vendors who used to occupy large areas (Carpenter, Drake, etc.) are gone. Yes, AACA sells 9,000 spaces, but it's now about 50% utilized.

I will still continue to attend but my expectations have adjusted to the changing reality. I found some great Ford parts for my truck and at prices that I was glad to pay. For example a pair of two styles of 1935 Ford plyers for $10, about six truck hubcaps in decent shape for about $5 each, a pair of mid-1930's sun visors for $20. Still lot's of interesting things on display and for sale, great people to meet and catch up with old friends from around the country. So yes, it's worth attending, but expect to walk past many open spaces. I'm looking forward to going next year.

I added a couple pictures from this year which sort of show the lack of vendors and people. Nothing like it was 25 years ago, but then neither am I.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

I go to the Portland (Oregon) Swap Meet every year. In the last couple of years the indoor part of the meet has changed drastically. Numerous vendors no longer come to the meet. It used to cover 4 buildings and I suspect this coming year it may be down to 2 1/2 buildings. The outdoor part of the meet is about 1/2 of what it used to be. The meet held at the raceway(which is separate from the Expo buildings) seems to be doing fine, but there is a lot of what I consider yard sale stuff being sold there. It also appears that people are buying spaces just to park their cars. Its' a changing world for us old swap meet guys. When we are off the planet will swap meets be selling used Tesla parts? Or will swap meets go the way of the dinosaur?

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I work Portland. This year [up top] it will look like it did 25 years ago. The entire paved lower parking will AGAIN be public parking. Large commercial Vendors have given up on Portland City accomidation costs for their crews. Freeway vehicle backups big problem. Newc

Re: Hershey Stats
 

Since 1982 I have had the pleasure of attending the AACA Fall National Meet. I started as a novice in 1982 and being from the midwest was stunned by some of the prices. My buddy sat me down at that time and told me that there are parts here that you would see no where else. And he was right. Those were the years of grass fields and mud. Viewing 4-wheel tractors pulling cars and trucks out of water and mud was a bonus. Well, not for those that were paying for the service. So, now it is paved and rain drains off the pavement, and you can only reminisce about the 'old days'.
Will I be there in October of 2024 -- you bet I will be. My round trip out there, driving around the Hershey area and returning home puts about 2400 miles on my vehicle, not to mention a $$$$ to my wallet for food and lodging (gas also). But as Model51 says, it isn't always about finding parts -- visiting, seeing things that you would never see anywhere else, make it an experience well worth the time and travel.
And yes, the golf carts, scooters and bicycles make it harder to be a pedestrian.
I offen found it interesting that if someone was passing fake $20 bills on the Red Field, it took about 10 minutes for that news to make it to the last row of the Orange Field, yet they make the announcement daily about illegal golf carts not being tolerated, yet all they need to do is just toss one off................and word would spread just as fast as the fake $20 notice and those illegal golf carts would be gone. But the AACA can not find the nerve to do that. My thoughts.
But................."attention on the swap meet field" annoucements still ring in my ears.
(I wonder how old that guy is -- he has been making the same announcements for 41 years)

Re: Hershey Stats
 

Hershey is a wonderful experience for all. All of us can help by promoting the show, bringing friends to the event and writing about the great experiences for everyone. Did I mention the flea market's treasures
!!!

Re: Hershey Stats
 

the aaca should walk the fields then report

Re: Hershey Stats
 

Newc, are you saying that vendor parking will be gone in the front lot?

Re: Hershey Stats
 

There's a parking lot area in the chocolate field for the Hershey volunteers, I think that's completely appropriate. I don't think they should be asked to walk in every day for a week plus run the show. I've been doing Hershey since there were show cars in the stadium infield and in the ball diamond and expect to continue to do so as long as I'm allowed to drive. I tell people who have never done it that's it's like going to the coolest museum ever of things I'm interested in, except that everything is available to be handled and everything is available to be purchased. There's always been a problem of transport vehicles being used by people who don't appear to need them as long as they have been allowed, I doubt that will change anytime soon. I'm sure there's only so many unpaid volunteers willing to be enforcement Nazis. Some inconsiderate people with hand pulled wagons are more of an obstruction than some in golf carts. Absent vendors is a symptom of our aging hobby, the only real fix to return the event to it's attendance peak would be to reset the calendar. I saw markedly fewer food vendors since 2020, I believe that's due to Hershey entertainment raising the costs to the vendors.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

Like many others, I have seen the decline in numbers out here at the Portland meet. I think we have been fortunate to be a part of this amazing group of people that we have shared the hobby and much of our spare time with. How rich we all are to still be living it, and how sad it is to glimpse its gradual demise. While this video is about the old music, the sentiment expressed is the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxHj...hvZXMgdmlkZW8g

Re: Hershey Stats
 

Thanks,GB. Well Done !

Re: Hershey Stats the cost is raised again for 2024.
 

A Vendor space for 2024 is now $100.00:eek:. Not to long ago it was only $80.00:(
Inflation i know is up world wide not much we can do about it i guess!
Ronnieroadster

Re: Hershey Stats
 

Ronnieroadster,
Please remember that a large chunk of that money does not go to the Hershey Region of the AACA.
The chocolate people get more than half.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

Bruce,


You seem to be assuming that the golf carts there are all "illegal", which is incorrect. If registered with the Hershey Region of the AACA, the hosts, they are perfectly legal. They do permit those no longer able to walk the aisles to still participate.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

David,

I've been going to Hershey for over 44 years and I turned 53 this year. I've had my spots in the Orange Field for just over 10 years. I obviously haven't done official stats on this issue, but I would safely estimate that 50% of the people in those carts are abled bodied and just trying to zip around to scoop up deals.

I see it all the time, people younger than me, bounding off their carts when something catches their eye. It happens in front of my spot countless times a day.

It's possible the person who registered the cart with the AACA is not mobile, so I'd assume others are taking advantage of loopholes in the AACA's policy and using the carts to their advantage.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

If you look closely at the stickers on the double row of cars parked in the Chocolate Field they identify them as Worker/Volunteer Vehicles. Not Illegal Day Parkers.
I don't begrudge them the spots. Still gotta walk around them though! Dang

Re: Hershey Stats
 

As a relative noob to the hobby, and just two trips to Hershey (2023 & 2019), I will say that I noticed a lot more empty stalls this past year than I did when I last went in 2019. Walked pretty much the entire place in two days both times. Was hot the first day this past year, and I had to take several breaks throughout the day and I’m only 58. So, I can understand folks taking electric wheelchairs/ golf carts if they need them. Saw way more (carts, etc.) this last visit than I did in 2019. What bugged me was that there were so many stalls still closed after the official opening time. Even an hour later, lots of stalls were still unattended, covered up, etc. Makes no sense to me in a way, but also saw a few liquor bottles here and there in the mornings. Lol! I understand that a huge part of all of this is just the social aspect, which I enjoy probably more than the building aspect. So, will I go back? You bet. The folks I met are the best, and Americans are the friendliest people on the planet (except the one vendor who gave me heck for putting my coffee cup on his supposedly $6K rug). Lol!

Re: Hershey Stats
 

I don't lift a finger to make the Hershey show happen, don't participate in the set up or clean up, don't have to do any paperwork or all the other chores associated with a big show. I just show up and walk around.
I also don't have to drag my stuff into a vehicle, unload it, haggle with folks all day, deal with the weather, then load the unsold back into a vehicle, drive home, unload and pay for this privilege. I just get to look at what everyone one else brought to the show and hope to find some treasures.
Sure it could be like the old days with all the stalls filled with great parts, but unlike days of old, I buy parts on-line from the comfort of my home all year long.
Sure I'll half-heartedly complain about golf carts, empty spaces and such, but every year attending Hershey is a highlight and I wouldn't miss it for anything. Even with all the changes, it's a wonderful thing.

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What get's me is the people on their golf carts "hugging" the flea market vendor tables and expect you to get out of their way so they don't have to get out of their cart. I'll stand their for 10 minutes if I have to to make them back up and go around me. Last year, my 55th year, I witnessed some jerk riding around on an old Harley, dozens of golf carts and some guy with a motorized cart that he would sit on and drive with his parts on. However, the last thing the A.A.C.A. wants is to have any of their workers confronting any of these jerks.

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Id love to attend Hersey this year, 2024, and be a vendor for EV8 parts. My RV is 24 ft long and I haul a 12 foot cargo trailer. If anyone has available spots or room in their spots I would certainly be interested. Even if the spots were not connected, I could make it work. Like drop my trailer and then camp across the highway. Anyways, just startin to look early... Thanks, Tim

Re: Hershey Stats
 

Tim, that's not how it works. All flea market spots come from the A.A.C.A.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

Just a quick idea of what it takes to have a vendor spot at Hershey:
Must be a member of AACA
Must have a current Pennsylvania Dept. of Revenue Tax ID number.
Must have your Tax ID present on the spot at all times.
Must file and pay taxes TWICE a year if you have qualifying sales.
It's an honor system so if you think you can fib and say no sales + no tax. I suggest you try that two or three filings in a row and they will take your Tax ID back. No sales for the midyear filing is OK as Hershey is only once a year. Still gotta file tho.
Remember No Tax ID no Spot.
Don't forget Hotels the closer you get the more expensive. We're at the Mainstay Suites about 3 miles from the fields 4 nights almost $700 plus meals. I already put down $180 deposit when we left in October for 2024.
We just registered with the AACA and paid (Yes $300 for 3 spots) for next year in December.
All this planning and paying is done almost a year in advance.
I'm already in for 2024 to the tune of $480
I have no idea if I'm going to be able to attend in 2024 but I must commit and pay now.
Want your own personal Porta Potty? That will be $200. You can pay that in August. Then at least you really do get to Go.
A lot can happen in a year Sooo After all of your planning and paying and preparing we have a Hurricane or just a miserable rainy cold 4 days you get to stay in your Hotel or follow the Commander around Dollar General.
Every empty spot you see represents someone who paid and didn't get to attend.
Sounds like I'm Complaining? Nope I love it. 2023 was my 50th. Year attending. Never missed one except for Covid when it was cancelled.
I'm going to keep going till I can't. I told my kids when that happens discreetly spread my ashes. At least I won't have to deal with the Tax Filing BS any longer.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

Some people only sell on one day, the other times they are out looking.
You don’t need a tax number if you only display but don’t sell anything.
My space usually only has my car, a couple things in the car laying on the dash for sale, everything else is on the tables next door.
I solved the hotel problem by sleeping in the car.
Even with the empty spaces there are still many more vendors than in the 70, 80s

Re: Hershey Stats
 

32 phil- you summed it up well. PA turnpike fees have at least doubled and on and on.


I do miss the old Hershey, but frankly get so much more done with the internet. I have never been so productive and grateful for my computer. Many vendors no long er attend, not because they dont want to or cant- but because its just not feasible any longer.
Change will always occur and I havent been to Hershey in 10 years. I doubt I will ever attend again, and dont find that a bad thing. Just is what it is.

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Just be glad that Hershey happens. It’s all good for me, even dealing with the occasional “Barney Fife” volunteer.

Re: Hershey Stats
 

If traveling from the west, try I-80, US 322, and US 22; no tolls and about the same travel time.

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The space fee increase will encourage some vendors to reduce their number of spaces; and it might decrease the number of folks renting a space solely for parking. The future may bring a contraction in the number spaces rented. Nothing lasts forever. Enjoy Hershey for as long as you can.

As for the large number of “mobility devices”, we are all headed there. If it helps some enjoy the Meet when they would otherwise stay home- great, I’ll keep dodging the able-bodied fools. No one who is a serious shopper at Hershey rides a scooter unless they have to.

Don’t complain about the Fall Meet- get a space, bring some parts, make it better.