Fat Tom's Annual Motorcycle Swap Meet
A sure cure for cabin fever
On April 17th we cruised on over to the Royce Mandigo Arena located at the Vermont State Fair Grounds in Rutland VT. Our mission for the day was to set up our vendor tent at Fat Tom’s Annual Motorcycle Swap Meet.
Fat Tom’s Swap Meet signals the start of the riding season for the riders in the Rutland / Killington VT area and as such usually draws a large number of vendors and some rather large crowds. The weather was rather cold and nasty so the crowds were smaller than normal but the event was still well attended. Not only is this a swap meet but there is a bike show and a tattoo contest as well with numerous trophy’s presented at the end of the day.
As I toured the event I discovered a number of artisans displaying the results of their talents. There were painters and detailers as well as a tattoo artist present. I was totally impressed by the tank and helmet work on display by Holly Conradsen of Saratoga Lake, NY. Some examples of her work are pictured below and she can be contacted at hndartwk@aol.com.
Also on hand was a large display from the Leather Outlet in Lake George, NY. If you needed gear it was there to be had and reasonably priced as well. The low stools that used bike seats for the stool seats were new and unique and drew quite a bit of attention from those in attendance.
We also had the privilege of meeting Aubrey Goad of Long Trail Tattoo & Piercing which is located in Rutland VT (http://www.longtrailtattoo.com/home) or 802-747-7000. Aubrey holds a bachelor’s degree in art, is blood borne pathogen certified and licensed by the State of Vermont as a tattooist and body piercer. Examples of her work were on display in her booth and some of her clients were entered in the tattoo contest.
Besides the vendors, there were numerous individuals with parts for sale or to swap and parts were spread all over the floor in several locations.
This swap meet has been in existence since 1994 and has been run by various individuals and organizations over the years. Fat Tom and Tina ( his better half) took over operation of the swap meet four years ago.
We had a good time at Fat Tom’s Annual Swap Meet and we will be returning next year. The event was well organized and we were more than delighted when the volunteer staff offered to help us unload and set up. This shows the level of professionalism that Tom and Tina insist on when organizing the meet.
If you are looking for something to cure the cabin fever in April 2012, may we suggest that you take a trip to Rutland VT and attend Fat Tom’s Swap Meet. We can almost guarantee that it will cure your winter blues and prepare you mentally for the riding season soon to come.
