2010 Pioneer Power Swap Meet

The 33rd Annual Swap Meet is this weekend (April 23 to 25) at the Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Club's 110-acre grounds in Le Sueur, Minnesota. The popular event brings in vendors from around the US with a wide variety of tractor parts and manuals, plus antiques and collectibles. The swap meet is free to visitors; vendors pay $45 for a outside space or $50 for a reserved indoor space.

TractorData was at the swap meet in Friday. Minnesota has had an early spring this year, and the weather was good. Club members indicated that there appeared to be a record number of vendors, and parking was already scarce by mid-morning. Vendors ranged from large parts and tires companies with custom rigs to people who just loaded their old pickup with items they pulled out from behind the barn. The large vendors, with internet and catalog sales, typically offer free shipping so people can pre-order what they need and pick up parts at the swap meet.

Much-needed rain is forecast for Saturday and Sunday, which might reduce crowds a bit. The turnout on Friday alone, however, would be enough to declare the 2010 Swap Meet a success. Upcoming events at the Le Sueur Pioneer Power Club are the annual show on August 27 to 29 featuring Oliver, and then 2011 Swap Meet will be April 29 to May 1. The club's web site is at PioneerPowerShow.com