Wright
County Swappers Meet
since 1970
https://wrightcountyswappersmeet.com/
The couple’s dream became reality when they moved to the Miller family homestead
in South Haven, Minnesota. With 50 acres available, the Wright County Swappers
Meet opened their gates for the first time on Saturday, April 4th, 1970. Gladys
recalls having about 5 vendors and a dozen curious shoppers. It was a small
start but from there, things just took off!
During the winter of 1971, Stanley built a replica train locomotive on the
chassis of a 1955 Chevy Step Van. The idea was for Stanley to drive his
"Steamer" in local parades to promote the Swap Meet. Bearing several different
horns & whistles and puffing black smoke, the train replica quickly become a
children's favorite. It is still used today in local parades.
With help from their 5 children and the support of close friends and extended
family, Stanley and Gladys turned their dream into a thriving family business.
Stanley took care of overall operations & Gladys ran the onsite restaurant. When
Stanley passed away in 1982, Gladys went from flipping burgers to having full
responsibility for the business. Gladys continued to build on their dream year
after year with hard work and perseverance.
In 2012, Gladys handed over the reins to her son Kevin and his wife Laurie. The
heart of the businesses success is family and the sense of community it fosters.
Everyone comes together to make it all happen year after year, thanks to their
daughters, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, siblings, in-laws and
mothers! The Wright County Swappers Meet has evolved into an outdoor farmers
market, art fair, antique mall, closeout store, sporting equipment outlet and
garage sale with great food & fun entertainment.
Wright County Swappers Meet is the largest Flea Market in Minnesota, and it was
voted Minnesota’s Best Flea Market in 2014. Admission
and parking are both free, but wear walking shoes. If you visit each vendor you
will put on roughly two miles.
Located at 13594 100th St in South Haven, the market is open from sunrise to early afternoon Saturdays April through October, also on Fridays and Sundays of holiday weekends. They average 200-300 Sellers on any given Saturday, and 400+ on holiday weekends. Vendors vary from week to week, so what is being sold always changes.
Swappers Meet - aerial view from the north
Swappers Meet - aerial view from the west
Swappers Meet "Steamer" in Annandale's July 4th Parade
Compiled November, 2021