Journal-News

For 25 years, the Mod-Tiques Car Club in Springfield has hosted a swap meet at the Clark County Fairgrounds. Sunday, March 1 found about 65 vendors selling everything from rusty engine blocks to die-cast models.

"It's our club fundraiser, and in spite of all the work, it's really a lot of fun," club president Tim Castle explained. "There are a number of swap meets held here each year, but we're the only club that has been here for 25 years; we were the first.

"We're also the only car club left in Springfield. At one time there were probably six or so, but they've all sort of gone away. We have 31 families in ours, and we get together monthly.

"We have a Mystery Run once a year, and we also host a cruise-in on the first Saturday in June. We make that a charity fundraiser and donate the proceeds to a local charity or group each year. Last year we raised over $3,000 for the Kenton Ridge High School Boosters."

The swap meet was held in three buildings at the Clark County Fairgrounds, and vendors from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Virginia brought thousands of new and used parts to sell. The club expected about 2,000 people to attend the meet.

Nick Avina of Napoleon, Ohio, sells all types of tools and had a huge display — everything from socket sets to engine hoists.

"It's a bit tough right now, I'm down about 25 percent from last year, but really, I can make that work," Avina said "Car folks still will spend some of their money on their hobby."

Michael Williams owns MW Racetrans out of Columbus and had lots of GM

4-speed transmissions and parts at his booth.

"This is a great swap meet. I come here every year for this, and also the other big meets here. There are just great car people in this area — Clark, Greene and Montgomery counties. It's a hotbed of gearheads. We don't have anything like this in Columbus. I don't even care if I sell much; it's just fun to talk with all the people about their cars and what they're working on."

Castle said it takes everyone in the

Mod-Tiques club helping out to make the swap meet happen.

"We start the set-up on Saturday, and that takes all day. Then we're here bright and early on Sunday morning. All of our members have their red Mod-Tiques jackets on, so if people have questions, we can help them out."

"Mod-Tiques stands for Modified and Antiques, but actually, we don't care what kind of car you have, you can belong to our club," Castle said. "We're just all about cars and enjoying each other's friendship and company."

See photos of the swap meet here.