Automobile Enthusiasts From Across The Region Return to the Jefferson County Fair Grounds For the Spring Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show

Over the decade the Spring Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show has taken on more of a flea market atmosphere says Erick Esse. Erick, one of the event's organizers is the son of Madison Classics founder, Gary Esse. The automobile oriented, organization puts on the Spring and Fall Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show event every year drawing thousands of people around the US to Southern Wisconsin.

The Spring Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show began 46 years ago with Gary Esse's mission to bring weekend long car show to the Midwest. Esse life long passion for cars often made annual pilgrimages to car shows in Carlisle and Hershey, Pennsylvania wondering why no one was putting on a similar event in Wisconsin. Carlisle, PA is home to the legendary Carlisle Swap and Meet. Hershey, the town synonymous with chocolate, draws thousands of car enthusiasts to the Hershey AACA Fall Flea Market & Swap Meet.

Today, Spring Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show is considered one the largest swap events in the Midwest. If Gary Esse was imaging a little bit of Hershey and Carlisle right here in Southern Wisconsin, mission accomplished. 

No need to head to eBay Motors for that vintage klaxon Jefferson Swap and Meet has acres and acres of parts and accessories vendors spread across the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. You don't have to be a gearhead to appreciate the car part paradise Erick Esse and his family have assembled. Sure there those on a mission looking for the perfect carburetor, or manifold but, as Erick says there are little gems like art for your wall. Perhaps a Camaro front grill? Or a pair of Chevelle tail lights? 

In the market for than just a horn or steering wheel, possibly an entire car? Check out the Car Corral to find 100s of automobiles from custom to vintage on sale.

If you are familiar with the History channel hit Counting Cars you know there are endless ways to airbrush ghost flames across a hood or door panels. And at the Fall Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show, there are vendors that can trick out your favorite ride from flames to plush velvet interiors. Many of the vendors are from right here in Wisconsin. For starters there check out: TLC Restorations from Milton, Blue Collar Body Shop of Beloit, or Classics Plus from Fond Du Lac, but there are many more to choose from.

The biggest draw, the car show takes place on Saturday and Sunday. This year's theme is 4 x4s. There's a good chance you might spot an International Harvester Scout or vintage Ford Bronco.

And premiering this year, Erick and his family are excited to add a demolition derby put on by Rick Harrington's Hollywood Motorsports Entertainment it is the newest attraction, symbolically closing out the Fall Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show's three day event.

And if you are hungry wandering the Jefferson County Fairgrounds looking at cars there are food vendors selling Johnsonville brats, Brakebush chicken, hamburgers and beer with generous help from the Jefferson Masonic Lodge.

For those coming to the Spring Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show for the entire weekend their is camping and RV space available across the street. Contact Spangler’s Campground at 920-988-3256 for availability.

DETAILS:

The 46th annual Spring Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show will be held April 28, 29, 30, 2023 at the Jefferson County Fair Park located just off Hwy 18 at 503 North Jackson Ave. in Jefferson.

$10.00 per adult for spectator admission gets you through the gates.

$5.00 for spectator parking at the fairgrounds.

Hours:

Fri 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sat 6:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sun 6:00 am - 3:00 pm