So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

[Jeffrey S.]

What do you all think about the new location, etc. of Bloomington this year? We had a very good experience and thought it was well run. We didn't stay at the dorms which I was told was a bit problematic with regards to parking. On the negative side, I thought that the attendance of both the public and the vendors in the swap area was weak. Our space was in the NE lot which had about 1/3 empty spots once you take into account all the trucks/cars parked on spots. I don't have the numbers so maybe I am wrong. Met many NCRS members which was great.
Jeff

[Dick W.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

Numbers have been falling for several years. I think one of the reasons for moving was to reduce the cost of attending and hopefully increase the gate.

[Stuart F.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

How was the weather? My son (a U of I Graduate) and I were considering going up, but his work schedule was just too tight, and my pass travel and his jump seat availability did not look too good. The final klinker was the bad weather reports we got.

Stu Fox

[Donald T.]

[Jeff P.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

It was a bit of a hassle to get in through the vendor's gate on Friday. The gate security personnel kept my pass! Sat. and Sun. were better at the gate. The toilet facilities were despicable. (Not so much for guys but my wife refused to use the public toilet after her first experience in them.) It seemed like the powers-to-be were in a rush to get the vendors off of the grounds as soon as the facility closed to the public. On a better note, Champaign is a good geographical location for the event and the people were as pleasant as always. All in all I had a great time this year. Maybe the "growing pains" will ease next year. I'll be there.

[Bruce B.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

I went on Friday, the weather was great but I felt the vendors were down and/or they didn't bring lots of parts.
I also felt like the whole layout was spread out a lot.
I also thought Mecums auction was much smaller then past years.
But on the plus side I did run into lots of old friends and the traffic was great compared to St. Charles.

[Mark D.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

I know a parts vendor that wasn't there because his employer changed his plans.

[Dick W.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

I know a parts vendor that wasn't there because his employer changed his plans.

Ralph Kramden, err Busdriver, err Mark you would have been in a minority, the used parts vendors are going the way of the Doo Doo bird. Flea bay and the internet have pretty much killed the flea markets. The only flea that still has a lot of mom and pop used parts sellers is Old Town in January

[Jeff P.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

Yes. and thank you Mark and AA!

[George W.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

The rain at 1:05 pm made BG judging a challenge, but my team got our 8 cars done by 3pm.
The new location at the University of Illinois is excellent; but attendance was down, maybe more will be there next year.
I believe it is easier to navigate Champaign IL than St. Charles, IL., but the area motels are over priced.
Bottom line; I liked it and will return.

[Steve B.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

I like the new venue. It was very spread out though and the rain on Saturday surely hurt the vendors, it was a ghost town a 3pm Saturday afternoon. Always great to see nice cars and old friends.

[Bruce B.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

I like Kissimmee but Carlisle has many more vendors and parts.

[David R.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

I really liked the layout. also saw NCRS friends to talk with. Everyone could have done without the Sat afternoon downpour, but at least they didn't have any of the 'Bloomington dust'. and the general parking was free! The swap-meet origin got it off to a great beginning back in the 70s, but with today's internet source there is much less demand for vendors unless you just want to see it/touch it before you buy it, or get something heavy/bulky to avoid shipping.
Dave

[Tim S.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

After 25 years of participating, I think it is headed in the right direction. I can easily see with a year under the belt, many of the bugs will get worked out. Going to stay a night in Bloomington next year just for old times sake and get a killer steak at Jim's Steak House.

[William L.]

Re: So what's the verdict-Bloomington?

This was our 40th year of going to B/G and we Just got back. All things considered it was good, foot traffic was great until it rained. In sales we did just about the same as last year. Talked to a lot of vendors most did well and some did not but thats normal. According to B/G there were 71 more vendors this year, than last year. I think they will work out the problems and I think it's going in the right direction.

Mark here is what our spots look like and I think we have some of the best spots on the grounds. Jeff said he had a GREAT time filling in for you.
call me the first chance you get.
We missed you.
Bill & Dian
Set up day Thuresday
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