Local Rotary’s Strathalbyn Auto Swap draws 2000-crowd

About 2000 motoring enthusiasts attended Strathalbyn’s revived Auto Swap Meet, where more than 170 stallholders sold items at Strathalbyn Harness Racing Club on Sunday.

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the popular community event returned under new organisers, the Rotary Club of Strathalbyn, which fundraised for its initiatives.

President Greg Need said attendees were treated to nice weather.

“The people who I spoke to were all very happy with the day and how the event went,” he said.

“A lot of the stallholders got rid of a lot of their gear, so they were happy, so it was very positive for everybody.”

Many travelled far and wide for the event, including from interstate, and began lining up at the Milnes Road location from 4.30am.

“(People are) always very keen for those sorts of events,” Mr Need said.

“They’re very popular, a lot of the stallholders go interstate for them and people follow them all over the place.”

Items available were largely for restoration work, and offered “something for everyone”, including books, gardening and household items, while many wanted to see The Bat Mobile vehicle on display.

“People were very impressed by that, and not just the little kids either,” he said.

“There was a lot of interest in that; it’s quite spectacular.”

Mr Need found the event “quite successful” for the Rotary club’s first time, and has “no doubt” the club will host it again.

“The Lions had a good day from their catering van, they were very busy, as were the other food stallholders for the morning,” he said.

“It went very well and we appreciate the support from the stallholders.

“The support from the community was also fantastic.”