Stirling Flea Market

fatstax · COBOURG, ONT

RE: Stirling Flea Market

Lightspeed Mike · BELLEVILLE, ONT

The word at the flea market last May from the people I talked to is that about 90% of the vendors will be back at Stirling this year. A friend of mine over heard some of the AACA guys talking saying "uh oh we may be shooting ourselves in the foot moving". I know several people from Stirling and some of the things that AACA were saying are not true. As for me I will continue to vend there as long as there is a flea market there. Jason and the crew from the Stirling are top notch guys and I will support them all the way.

atomsplitter · NEWCASTLE, ONT

I'm sure the AACA had their reasons for leaving Stirling and we probably will never know the truth because of all the banter and what my buddy calls e-pinions on the net....like this thread! Do the reasons matter? No, because the show in still on in Stirling. It may be a rough start for the AACA in Lindsay if the venders don't show up for the first couple of years or they are full of "sock floggers".

The problem I have with the two venues is the fact that they are on the same frigg'n weekend! From the letter posted on page 1, before to the start of the 2012 Stirling Fair, it would seem to me that the AACA was setting the date in Lindsay as a pre-emptive strike against Stirling for 2013. Maybe to scare the venders into following them to Lindsay if they had to choose between the two events? Even if it was the only weekend available for the AACA that kind of thing just doesn't sit right with me. Dirty pool, good business strategy, I'm nieve....whatever you call it, I'm boycotting Lindsay in 2013 on principle.
I think I'll be loyal to Stirling again this year and wait to hear the reviews from Lindsay. I'm sure there will be alot to read about the next day!

Smokin Joe · ONTARIO

No I agree with you Atomsplitter It would have been nice if the swap meets were on different dates I would have done both also. The fair board knew well in advance next years date that AACA was using and they still chose to use the one AACA has been using for the past 40 years. They also chose to use the same name on their flier that AACA used since 1971. But we can give them credit at least they are saying it’s their 1st swap meet and not their 41st. They are saying it is a new swap meet and should have chosen a different date than AACA.
Oldkoot and I are still waiting for Jason to come back and correct the rumours that I asked him about with the dilemma of the parking issues AACA had in their letter that was passed out. With him being the president I am sure he can explain what went on that they lost the largest attraction Stirling had with AACA. All the money AACA poured into the fair grounds and the local economy and not try and get AACA to stay. Like he did not know why the Lions canceled the truck show. I am sure he will tell us and not leave Oldkoot and me hanging. He has never said a word about why they lost AACA that I know of.
I was reading where AACA had their first swap meet at the Orono Fair Grounds in 1967 then to Blackstock then to Hayden then where everyone thinks it started in Springbrook at Roy Soolmes Bowling Alley an AACA life time member. I see Chris mention about AACA membership dropping and he could be correct. I do not know about AACA but I know ACCCC is down about 200 members from its peak a few years ago. A lot of deaths and too old to drive their cars is the main problem and the new generation is not interested. CCCA is also in turmoil with membership talking about opening things up to try for some new blood. There is not a major club out there where membership is not dropping.
I just get upset when AACA ran Stirling automotive swap meet with no socks for 40 years as a fund raising for charities kept the cost low for everyone and the only complaints I heard was traffic jams or vending spots sold out and people saying it was better than Barrie. How times have changed. Last year I went to the Port Perry Fair and the Brooklyn Fair and I came home broke both times and if you think I am kidding go for yourself and see what the future may bring.
Now I am just giving out my own thoughts here and I could be wrong on some things and I apologise if I did. But I am getting old and I do ramble on.

-- Edited by Smokin Joe on Tuesday 12th of February 2013 02:37:28 AM

Chris Stapley · CAMPBELLFORD, ONT

I disagree partially Joe, this show regardless of who the host is should always be the same weekend, we as the vendors start our season off with Stirling and with shows and other events throughout the season sometimes have no choice if the shows try to move around, such was the case about two years ago when the Carlisle group messed up their weekend in the spring when it co-insided with Stirling. There were a lot of angered vendors,some of whom showed in Stirling,some who went stateside that weekend. And then there were a few who tired to do both and it really messed things up for them... I think I can also answer a pretty obvious question you had for Jason in regards to the truck show shutting down. Pretty hard to host a truck show with custom trucks when the trucking industry is tanking so badly the past few years. I drove a pretty swanky ride daily for years working the livestock industry for Valley View and when they had a chance to sell out due to continued struggles with keeping good equipment, paying for overly pricy tires, insurance and fuel way went the company drivers and their equipment.Most of which shows such as this depend on. The independent owner operators are lucky to keep the payments ahead in this day and age, I have renewed and kept up my license for a good many years since retiring the polishing rags not so sure that the next time it comes due that I will bother though as the industry keeps getting more and more dismal. I worked in a pretty exclusive industry within the trucking group , we had more show trucks per say than most carriers , the next most popular group were the reefer guys and when they're slugging across country working for the wages they could have potentially made in 1979 but still trying to cope with todays expenses there are fewer and fewer show trucks left to attend these events unfortunately.Hope I'm not ruffling any feathers here but you have to see it in the eyes of the folks who made the event too, not just the club who maintained it, after all, without the loyal vendors there wouldn't have been any show anywhere....
Cheers,
Chris.

dualquadpete · BLACKSTOCK, ONT

To me this seems like a "PI$$ING" contest between the fairboard of Stirling, & the AACA members!!! AACA moved out for what ever reason & are trying to tank the Stirling market & the Fairboard members are trying to save the Stirling Market & saying that the Lindsay one won't survive ,"come to ours" AACA is using the their date to try & make it look like it's the same flea market, as is Stirling for their venue. Only time will tell who lasts & it's up the the customers, where they decide to go!! Both supporters of each side should just quit trying to put the other one down & promote their own outlet!! IMOP Pete

Chris Stapley · CAMPBELLFORD, ONT

Yes, you're very correct Pete but I think the unfortunate part is the fact that they will both be the same weekend, this will do nothing more than confuse some who are unsure of which way to go at this point but give it a couple years and it will more than likely iron itself out too..
Hope to see and meet you somewhere in your 2013 travels.
Chris.

Smokin Joe · ONTARIO

Well Chris I said I was done on the other thread when I corrected you on your rant about AACA well I should respond here also I guess.
This is your words
The Lindsay show will not succeed .Mark my words. This is yet another move of greed such as the time they tried to outgrow Stirling once before when running it in Orono, anyone remember the huge success of that fiasco? I do.
Sorry it is a crap shoots to believe a word you say about the truck show after reading your rant about the Orono fair board’s flea market that failed. Saying it was an AACA event when AACA had nothing to do with it and you being in this business for over 40 years and not knowing that.
Jason or you have also never answered the big question on the no parking guarantee for AACA that even Pete said Quote AACA moved out for whatever reason. I guess in a way I got my answer with no answer.
For the life of me Chris I will never understand how you can throw stones at yours and your family’s customers. AACA is not a business or just one person but a club of hundreds of old car people that are not illiterate.
I am with Pete people can go to Lindsay, Stirling or even both if they want I am impartial. After all it is a hobby to enjoy finding that right rear-view mirror where ever it takes you. So I am out of here go back to my reading to never darken your door again let it end.

DaveM · ONTARIO

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9j%C3%A0_vu

Pint and a Pound · AJAX, ONT

Two fleamarkets in southern Ont, on the same weekend is foolish (and I really don't care why it happened). The way I see it, attending one venue or the other this year will be a gamble. I am definitely NOT interested in driving all the way to Stirling to find out half the vendors made the move to Lindsay, and I certainly don't feel the need to drive to Lindsay to find out in actuality, all the vendors chose to stay in Stirling ... I do enjoy gambling, I don't like to waste my time ... I'll find something else to do that weekend.

Here's one potential buyer they both lost ...

fatstax · COBOURG, ONT

Pint and a Pound wrote:
Two fleamarkets in southern Ont, on the same weekend is foolish (and I really don't care why it happened). The way I see it, attending one venue or the other this year will be a gamble. I am definitely NOT interested in driving all the way to Stirling to find out half the vendors made the move to Lindsay, and I certainly don't feel the need to drive to Lindsay to find out in actuality, all the vendors chose to stay in Stirling ... I do enjoy gambling, I don't like to waste my time ... I'll find something else to do that weekend.

Here's one potential buyer they both lost ...

interesting theory, i am going to stiriling but what if theres few vendors and they all went to lindsay contrary to what i heard last year? or they all in stirling and lindsay is a bust? guess we will find out in may

Redneck Rydes · TRENTON, ONT & SOUTH CAROLINA

Stirling is where to be,I think I saw a bear riding a motorized bar stool there a couple a years back :) oh now I remember it was my good bud Fatstax, always a good time at Stirling,Fatstax,TJ,and the humping dog,my leg still hurts not to mention my torn track pants,,what go's to Stirling stays at Stirling...LOL

Smokin Joe · ONTARIO

Geoff I see you have a 66 Biscayne you are working on. I have one in my barn sitting for about 7 years now in a slow moving line. Do you have any extra parts to sell.

fatstax · COBOURG, ONT

Redneck Rydes wrote:
Stirling is where to be,I think I saw a bear riding a motorized bar stool there a couple a years back :) oh now I remember it was my good bud Fatstax, always a good time at Stirling,Fatstax,TJ,and the humping dog,my leg still hurts not to mention my torn track pants,,what go's to Stirling stays at Stirling...LOL

the boondoggle is pretty partial to that leg of yours. i hope you wil be attending this year as the bar stool will be out in full force, i fixed the small problems it was having.

flatblack55delivery · PORT HOPE, ONT

The only problem with it was the operator,and the problem with the operator was the Prince. Ed

Redneck Rydes · TRENTON, ONT & SOUTH CAROLINA

Hey Ed,do you think I could Buy some old shin pads from you that might save the pants,besides when boondy is done there isn't much left,That TJ got to do something with that dog he's not right,,oh yea that is TJs dog,they say your animals are just like the owner, got to get that dog a ''Soccer Mom/Dog combo"

,,,,,,........

fatstax · COBOURG, ONT

just like cousin eddy told clarke griswold in christmas vacation, hes got some missisipi leg hound in him so if he latches on to you its best just to let him finish

Newagerod · OSHAWA, ONT

I'm just wondering if anyone knows who to contact about renting a spot?

58Chev · ETOBICOKE, ONT

Newagerod wrote:
I'm just wondering if anyone knows who to contact about renting a spot?

Right in the first post...

Chris Stapley

chriss.kustoms@xplornet.ca

705-924-3837 leave a message if not there.

Chris Stapley · CAMPBELLFORD, ONT

No, not me....
I am merely a vendor who wants to show to continue here fella's...

Jay Detlor of the Stirling Ag Society is who you want to see. Here is a flyer.

Newagerod · OSHAWA, ONT

Thanks Chris, I knew it wasn't you anyways

Dabooge · NORWOOD, ONT

Hi All, 1st post here. just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. I've been a vendor at Stirling for 3yrs (I'm the custom vinyl graphics guy) this will be my 4th. When I heard that the show would go on at Stirling I went walking all the rows and I think I almost questioned every vendor and asked if they were staying, 3 vendors out of the 100s I spoke to told me they were going to Lindsay. I've done the Lindsay Ex twice and I can tell you out of the 100s of shows we've done over the years Lindsay has to top as the worse money earning show for us. When a Hick county fair like Coe Hill beats out Lindsay Ex you know you have issues. I realize it's a different client base than an Automovive show but I have a bad taste for the place. I don't like the layout of the fairgrounds and it's mostly gravel and dirt. Your eyes are dry as toast after the weekend is over. The area has no shelter from the wind. Also if you like getting a good night sleep don't count on it as you're right on Hwy#7 and it has a relentless amount of truck traffic using Jake brakes. If that doesn't keep you awake the constant police fire and ambulance sirens should help. You'd swear you were in downtown Toronto. I wish the lindsay show luck I think they'll need it. I'm from Norwood and I love the drive to Stirling. Easy country drive with no traffic. As long as the people keep coming to Stirling I'll continue on!

See you at the show!

Dan

http://www.decalpro.ca/servlet/StoreFront

-

-- Edited by poncho62 on Saturday 20th of April 2013 09:34:44 PM

Chris Stapley · CAMPBELLFORD, ONT

Good luck to you Dan,
I know the Stirling crowd will be kind to you...It has always been to me as well...
I must admit as a hand painted pinstriper and sign painter, I cannot imagine I will
be a buyer,but I will pass along anyone who needs vinyl to you while there anyway.
There is plenty of room in this game for all of us!
Chris.

Redneck Rydes · TRENTON, ONT & SOUTH CAROLINA

I love going to vend at Stirling,but I can't get any response from Jason at all,I had a couple questions but NO response,I hope it works this year

Chris Stapley · CAMPBELLFORD, ONT

http://www.stirlingfair.com/contact-us/

this link will get you to the Stirling Fairboard and few more phone numbers etc.. Other than simply Jays number..

Dabooge · NORWOOD, ONT

Chris Stapley wrote:
Good luck to you Dan,
I know the Stirling crowd will be kind to you...It has always been to me as well...
I must admit as a hand painted pinstriper and sign painter, I cannot imagine I will
be a buyer,but I will pass along anyone who needs vinyl to you while there anyway.
There is plenty of room in this game for all of us!
Chris.

Hi Chris. I use to paint signs back in the day but people are too cheap now and want you to work for free. The only guys that I know that still pin stripe and paint signs are the guys accross from us at Stirling, Darren and his buddies at HOT ROD SWAG. I do get the odd request for painted signs and pinstripe. Do you have a shop in Campbellford? You should PM me your Contact info, I'm sure I can send you some biz.

Dan

Chris Stapley · CAMPBELLFORD, ONT

Hey Dan,
I do this for my own good, don't need any more "work" so to speak.. I have no time for myself as it is.Spent
the weekend in Ottawa pinstriping with those guys across from you in Stirling and will be one of those guys this
weekend striping there,ha,ha..Are you the fellow on Seven that has the old Dairy Barn building from downtown ?
Drop around for a beverage and a chat..
Chris.

Dabooge · NORWOOD, ONT

Chris Stapley wrote:
Hey Dan,
I do this for my own good, don't need any more "work" so to speak.. I have no time for myself as it is.Spent
the weekend in Ottawa pinstriping with those guys across from you in Stirling and will be one of those guys this
weekend striping there,ha,ha..Are you the fellow on Seven that has the old Dairy Barn building from downtown ?
Drop around for a beverage and a chat..
Chris.

I'm trying to think of the barn you're taking about, but no I live north of Norwood in the country. I don't know of any sign shops in the area. I only deal with corporate customers mainly so my shop isn't open to the public.

See ya Friday.

Dan

Dabooge · NORWOOD, ONT

The Stirling market had 3 sock and undies guys there last yr and a few jewelry , good to see they are changing their tune in Lindsay. The people who vend make the show IMO. No Vendors no show period doesn't matter who hosts. Half the vendors pulled out of the Fergus truck show last yr now that event is garbage. The high vending cost at Fergus now makes it impossible for the small guy to make money. My 1st yr there my booth was $1200 The price the next yr was doubled to $2400 WTF? Same thing for the Stirling truck show the one spot was $250 and I had to up my insurance. They didn't even get 1/4 the attendance as the fleamarket gets. Vendors found it too pricey and the show eventually flopped. I hear so many old timers crying the blues about Barrie and Hainey ect but the show brings in the numbers and I do the best there out of any show we do. I could care less about the politics and the B.S. I love shopping at Barrie. If you can't make money at Barrie you're either too pricey or you're bringing garbage. I admit it can be a pain walking a row that is only filled with sock and undies. It's like I always say. Tell your friends,Wives/GFs not to buy and they won't be back.
On a plus the weather is looking mint for the weekend so that will be great no matter what show you attend.

Dan

-- Edited by Dabooge on Tuesday 30th of April 2013 10:37:58 PM

dualquadpete · BLACKSTOCK, ONT

I hope the rjected ones were the Sock underwear & jewlery vendors??? Maybe they will get the idea that a Automotive Flea market is no "PLACE for that CRAP""!!!!!See you at lindsay sat Morning!!!

fatstax · COBOURG, ONT

whelp, im loaded and ready to drive to stirling tommorow morning. what a day i had getting ready, put front rotors and calipers on the van, broke a damn brake line somehow, no time for that but had to be fixed. installed used muffler yesterday as the original had a small hole in it

anyways i drove it this morning to port hope and my van started smoking like crazy, bad blue oil smoke. i thought oh this is great the engine is toast. turns out the muffler i installed being used must have come off an oil burning car, it was full of oil i guess cause the smoke went away. funny it started smoking only after it got hot which i found suspicious.

henrys57wagon · WOODLAWN, ONT

Fatstax, in the old days we would just wrap it in coke cans. Have a good trip and hope to talk to you and others there. We are heading out this morning. I will be wearing something 57 chey, maybe even a T shirt with my wagon on it, Henry.

-- Edited by henrys57wagon on Friday 3rd of May 2013 09:03:40 AM

fatstax · COBOURG, ONT

So far beauty day. I'm rocking the bar stool so far already scored some deals, stay tuned

58Chev · ETOBICOKE, ONT

Well, getting ready to leave the house.

Hope to run it to a bunch of ya there.

dualquadpete · BLACKSTOCK, ONT

Lindsay was packed!! great car show area & lots of nice vehicles in there + car coral was nearly full too. Tons of regular parking!! The odd clothing vendor & jewlery snuck in too!!! Saw a friend there that said he was vendoring at Stirling & got a ear full!! He went down there fri with truck & trailer to vend & found out they'd sold his spot even though he paid for it last yr. Showed his receipt & demanded his $$ back & is PI$$ED off as he couldn't sell any of his parts & too late to get a spot a Lindsay!!!! Only bad thing I found with Lindsay was they needed to give out a "layout map" as it was hard to get a handle on it, & they needed to spray the ring road as it was 1 way in & out & you had to circle the grounds on ring road & was dusty!!! Heard there was over 430 vendors & can believe it, some good stuff & not over priced other than a couple of cars in CORAL for sale in the 60G's & up to almost 90 GRAND??? Hope Stirling did as well too?? Pete

Gazoo · BADEN, ONT

Where you hidin' Stax? I'm wandering around, ran into Swag and got my plaques. I'll be here tomorrow morning also, staying overnight and having some beers.

oldkoot · BROCKVILLE, ONT

Pete,
Stirling was good, I would say pretty much the same as prior years but found the traffic line up getting in was less this year. Parking was down the east side of the arena and down back of the soccer fields.There where a few empty spots, believe they were sold but the guys didn't show and like you mentioned some clothing vendors, especially in the arena. Like most swap meets of late it looks like the guys bring back the same stuff every year, all the good stuff has been sold years ago.

Bradshaw · NORWOOD, ONT

A Great Day for Flea Marketing !!!!

58Chev · ETOBICOKE, ONT

Weather was great, Got my plaque from Swag.

Came home with a few 58 trinkets.

Lightspeed Mike · BELLEVILLE, ONT

Stirling was good, weather was great. I met up with a few guys from the forum and a few old friends.
Preregistered for next year again, $40 cheaper than previous years. Jason's crew did a great picking up the weekend. I know there was a few hiccups but I am sure they will try to fix them for next year.
I am vending at lot K5 if any one one wants to stop by and say hello.

fatstax · COBOURG, ONT

Gazoo wrote:
Where you hidin' Stax? I'm wandering around, ran into Swag and got my plaques. I'll be here tomorrow morning also, staying overnight and having some beers.

been here all day im at the far east of the meet. Awesome show so far, bought a 67 chev van today

DaveM · ONTARIO

Flat black with flames???

smile

fatstax · COBOURG, ONT

Yep, buddy did them whilst stoned he told me.

INDIAN RIVER, ONT

Nice buy! I was looking at that one. Really liked the 60 Olds wagon as well.

workin class · FINCH, ONT

Like the van. Did the old camper sell?

Gazoo · BADEN, ONT

Good buy on the van, price was right, and looked solid. Just getting home now (2:30pm), it's a fairly long drive there for me. Nice swap meet, great weather, friendly people, made some new friends I even bought stuff I didn't need (go figure). I've talked to a few people that were at the Lindsay swap earlier on Saturday, they said it was a really nice swap, and lots of cars for sale there.

I'm not sure if I will be doing the trip next year, but it was a great weekend, beautiful area.

Lightspeed Mike · BELLEVILLE, ONT

I saw the Olds there too on my way out. I just about got my wallet out for that one. Had I the space it might have.
Best weather I can remember for the weekend ever.
Sold some stuff, chatted with friends.
Workin Class were you there, I'd didn't see you?

Gazoo · BADEN, ONT

Dayum, I walked by the blue and white Dodge van with lots of windows a couple times, thinking to myself "I know that van from somewhere", was that you workin class?

fatstax · COBOURG, ONT

57150 wrote:
Nice buy! I was looking at that one. Really liked the 60 Olds wagon as well.

thats my new baby folks, ill be driving it within a month. dropping a 69 350 in it and a turbo 400. im thinking side pipes out before the wheels, some wide slots on the back and skinnys up front. lowered around 6 inches as well, no green flames either

Chris Stapley · CAMPBELLFORD, ONT

Well I think both venues need to thank someone for the awesome weather to start with, yes there were rumours flying all weekend in Stirling in regards to Lindsay but I expect both did a superb job anyway, you are not going to convince everyone but on the other hand you're not going to Chang envy midnight either. Think personally the Stirling event went off flawlessly, the Fair board group did an outstanding job ,seems that every thing done within this little community is done in this manner, the group deserves a huge pat on the back and everyone I spoke with that vend there have already re signed for next spring as well..would be really nice if they could both agree to different weekends but I also think we all know that a few egos will not allow that to happen so best of luck to all at this point.