COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Organizers of the annual Coldwater Car Show and Swap Meet have scheduled a meeting for next Wednesday night, September 8 to discuss the future of the event.
Event chair Dale Parshall said on the event’s Facebook page the meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. that evening at the Branch County Fairgrounds fair cabin.
The show had been held for almost three decades during Mothers Day weekend but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021.
Parshall announced the 2021 cancellation in February saying one of the main reasons was the amount of unknowns and uncertainty concerning COVID-19 protocols. He added no one had any idea exactly how many people would be allowed at an outdoor event in Michigan that was scheduled to take place in less than three months. Parshall said at the time, “I know people are disappointed so are we, but it is not an easy situation and not decided lightly.”
He also pointed out the amount of money that is needed ahead of time. “There is money to be spent ahead of time to make it happen. We give almost all of our money away each year. There is a minimal amount left to start out for the new year.”
The event raises money for many non-profit agencies in the area. Since the Swap Meet and Car Show was reorganized into a non-profit organization in 2010, they have given out $194,150 to Branch County non-profit groups. A total of 14 local organizations split $26,100 in donations when the 32nd annual show was held in 2019.
The 2017 event drew over 1,400 cars and motorcycles and it was estimated 3,500 spectators came through the gate during the first day which featured perfect weather conditions.
But May weather in Michigan can be fickle. Rain and temperatures near 50 in 2018 led to only about 400 cars showing up. The weather was cool and cloudy in 2019 but the rain held off and nearly 1,000 cars were registered and for the first time ever the craft venue and swap meet areas were sold out.
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