COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – When life throws you a lemon, you make lemon aid. That’s what organizers of the 31st Annual Coldwater Swap Meet and Car Show had to do this weekend as the wet and cold weather kept the attendance and the number of classic vehicles down.
The event at the Branch County Fairgrounds is always held rain or shine. Just over 400 classic vehicles showed up Saturday, as there were off and on showers and several downpours. But the weather dried off long enough to allow for the cruise through the streets of Coldwater Saturday afternoon.
This year’s event was a far cry from 2017 when perfect weather led to a large amount of spectators and over 1,400 vehicles. It was estimated last year that nearly 3,500 spectators were on hand. The Saturday total last year of 1,290 vehicles was a one day record for the show.
While the weather was a disappointment, there were a large amount of vendors, most of whom were able to set up inside out of the elements.
Since the Swap Meet and Car Show was reorganized into a non-profit organization in 2010, it has given out over $153,000 to other non-profit groups in Branch County. A total of 14 local organizations split $30,000 in donations from last years event.
