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to the Show Reports pageby Brian and Melissa Riecker
Melissa and I would like to thank all of you who made the 2nd Annual Manhattan Swap Meet such a success! I really appreciate the help I received in setting up tables. Once again, the weather was beautiful and the park shelter was full of tables of glass. We had around 30 swappers (including some walk-ins) and 15 tables.
One special item of note was a pole climbing ladder, light enough to carry but strong enough to hold a big guy (my size) and its faster than a pole spinner. John Wiggington of Lawrence is the creator of the ladder. I tried it out the very next day!
The potluck lunch was an excellent variety of scrumptious homemade and purchased yummies. We were especially grateful for the plentiful veggie trays brought – they balanced the meal! I am also grateful to my wife for driving to Topeka for supplies for the potluck!
A partial list of those in attendance includes: Dennis and Jeanne Weber, Linda and Bill Connell, Pat and Wade Howard, Phil, Mona, and Billy Nichols, Ethan Yowell, Jim McDaniels, John Wiggington and his kids, Valerie Roddy and Annette Swartz, Rod and Jolene Shelly, Steve Konon, Larry Vredenburgh, and Ben Tucker. Mr. and Mrs. Williams from Salina, KS brought antique telephones and memorabilia! States represented were Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Wow!
After the swap, a group of us gathered at my home for a quick look at my collection and new display case I designed and built myself. My wife made a marvelous (yuck!) guacamole that some people enjoyed while we visited. We had a great time, and we hope to host another swap next year.
We may be moving next spring depending where Melissa gets a job in December. Should we stay in this area in Kansas, I would like your input as to if we should upgrade to a "real" show with table fees in a lighted display hall, or keep "Swappin’ " at the park.. Wherever we end up, I do plan to continue the tradition…. Thanks again for a great swap! – Brian Riecker