Admittedly, I picked the wrong day to travel out to Carlisle, PA, for the annual fall swap meet, better know as Fall Carlisle. The event takes place each year from a Wednesday through Sunday one week in either late September or early October. It was a busy week on my personal calendar with a couple of family birthdays, and I chose to go on opening day – the only day it rained.
The rain didn’t hold everyone back, but it certainly slowed down the setup for those arriving late. A number of vendors were still arranging their booths, switching between laying out their wares and covering them back up. Foot traffic seemed light and there didn’t seem to be a lot happening. At least on Day One.

I’m told the rest of the week was gorgeous and the crowds turned out in droves. In fact, it was a record sales week for Eastwood’s onsite store. Just my luck. Regardless of the damp conditions and lighter-than-expected crowds that first day, there were high points. Among them, a large number of European and South American buyers catching early deals, based on conversations overheard.
Fall Carlisle is, in theory, a swap meet for all kinds of automotive enthusiasts and automobilia collectors. In reality, classic American cars from the 1950s through the 1970s rule the scene. And with them comes a lot of related American cultural artifacts, from gas pumps to neon signs. But dig around long enough and just about any car enthusiast could find something to take home.