Rainier to host inaugural Monster Swap Meet June 15

Wilkowski Park in Rainier will be full of motorcycles, 4x4s, trucks and for sale and show, as well as games, raffles, local vendors and food during the inaugural Monster Swap Meet on Saturday, June 15.

Vendors will set up at 7 a.m., and the general public is encouraged to arrive at 8 a.m. The event will likely go until 7 p.m. Visitors of all ages can explore the swap meet’s offerings in a family-friendly environment. Other items for sale include T-shirts, soap, candles and motorcycle and 4x4 parts.

Resident Robert Strand organized the event in order to “turn frowns upside down” in the town and give fellow residents an opportunity to have fun without having to leave Rainier.

“It makes everybody happy. People aren’t too happy with what’s going on in the world today, so let’s bring a little bit of happiness to the Rainier area,” Strand said.

He said that “everything came out of my pocket” to fund the event, including purchasing squirt guns and a cotton candy machine. There will also be a 50/50 raffle that will help pay for future swap meets in town.

Strand hopes that the event becomes a staple in the community and wants to give residents of all ages a chance to have fun and find some treasures from their neighbors. He also encourages residents around town to host their own garage sales throughout the day to further enhance the shopping experience in Rainier.

“All I want to do is to make people happy. I want it to be a happy, friendly place where we can welcome everybody to come through,” he said.