COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – For the second straight year, there will be no Coldwater Swap Meet and Car Show at the Branch County Fairgrounds due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Event chair Dale Parshall confirmed the news on Monday morning saying it was not an easy decision.
One of the main reasons for the cancellation of the event is the amount of unknowns and uncertainty right now concerning COVID-19 protocols. While the COVID-19 numbers have been trending in the right direction in recent weeks, no one has any idea exactly how many people would be allowed at an outdoor event in Michigan that is scheduled to take place in less than three months.
In a follow-up post to the Swap Meet and Car Show’s Facebook page, Parshall added:
There is a lot more to putting this show on than just saying lets do it. 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. We were able to absorb this for last year this year we don’t have the funds to absorb it again. With the restaurants not opening to 50% till April what makes us thing gatherings of more than 100 will be able to happen.
I don’t know. Will all the volunteers be comfortable helping, will spectators show up I don’t know. As far as speculation as to the future of the car show all we are talking about here is this years show. I know people are disappointed so are we, but it is not an easy situation and not decided lightly.
The 2020 Swap Meet and Car Show was among many Branch County events that were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers for the annual event have donated money back to many non-profit agencies in the area over the last decade. 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 from the 32nd annual show in 2019.
Almost 1,000 cars were registered that year and for the first time ever the craft venue and swap meet areas were sold out.
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.
O please 3mos. To go your cancelling already? Fear of whitmer shows here. I say boycott 2022 show. I went to this faithfully I will never return now. Sheep is what you are.
Totally agree George. The sheep are caving into the three little communist in Lansing! They MUST be STOPPED! NO more car show for me!