Rockhampton swap meet

Our roving treasurer sent this report from his winter escape. The Rocky Swap is a fund raising event which is conducted by the Rotary Club of Rockhampton North in partnership with the All Classic Motor Club. There are 300 volunteers that lend a helping hand at various stages of the setting up, running the event and cleaning up processes. The event offers something for everyone, collectables, arts and crafts, antiques and is spread out through the entire Rockhampton Showgrounds with indoor sites in the pavillions and outdoor sites covering all the available space. The Rocky Swap is run on the first Saturday in August each year. One thousand sites of the 1100 available had been booked for this the 22nd Rocky Swap. Attending the swap meet was a highlight while I was in Rockhampton visiting relatives. Off street parking opposite the showgrounds was easy to access and after queueing for only 10 minutes I was inside. My first impression was that it was well set out with plenty of room for both the sites holders and the buyers to move about. By 8:30 I had my jumper off and shortly the sleeves were being rolled up as the maximum temperature that day went to 28 degrees. The prices being asked for some of the tools on offer seemed to be on the high side compared to what I've noted back in SA. but overall most seemed to be quite reasonable. Even though my way of getting home was by plane and I had to watch the weight of my luggage I did manage to snag a few bargains. So if you find yourself not coping with our SA winters, head north to Qld. and make sure you catch the Rocky Swap.