Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion So what days should Iowa Gas be?

A lot of comments in other threads as to the days for Iowa Gas not working for people. So my Q is, what days should it be? A lot of people drive 12 hours or more to get there. That is a lot of driving for a one day show. Make it a two day show and add in the auction and you now have a 3 day event plus two days driving time. Anyway you look at it, it is going to run into the work week for a lot of people. The Peotone show was mentioned, it is a Saturday at noon set up, sell till 5pm, then vending from 6 till about 1 or 2 on Sunday when everyone packs up. Another good time but that does not include the auction which is during the work week and some people do not make the show possibly due to the long drive, short vending hours.

A show with 150 venders and no outside foot trafic will still be a success. Venders also buy from other venders. The outside foot traffic will make for a better show but a lot of foot traffic and no venders will be a flop. The venders make a show, you can not have a show without them. People that want to go bad enough will try to take time off work if needed to go. You can not make everyone happy.

Iowa Gas is still the biggest oil can show that I know of with Columbus a close second, maybe while the days do not suit everyone, they are doing it right??

The original format was Thursday/Friday with a Saturday auction. Later a Friday night can auction was added. I like this format. The early trading was Wednesday. (not Monday/Tuesday as it is now)

A huge problem Regarding enforcing the vending times is having controlled access. Considering Columbia and Peotone....they are inside and the building opens at a given time. At an outdoor shoe there is no way to regulate early vending.

We ran out of road so ended up in Iowa Monday afternoon. There were only about a dozen others there and only one person had set up, the rest of the parking lot was "reserved" for Sheriffs officers with dogs.
Tuesday morning saw only a couple more people set up and I was surprised how few had actually set up by Tuesday afternoon. By about 6:00 half the area was occupied but not much selling going on. Lot's of people showed up late and on Wed morning the place was full (full meaning at least 20% less vendors then in the past no matter what you hear). I was VERY surprised how few room to room sellers and buyers there were. This makes no sense unless you figure that folks feel they have already seen most everything outside. Frankly, I was able to buy three nice pieces for my collection in the rooms.
Now to the days and having driven 2000 miles each way. I think a Friday show and Saturday auction would work really well. Many people can take off late in the week and you are going to see everything on the one day, Friday, that is going to be there plus possibly a larger room to room Friday night. For those not interested in the auction vendors that want to can be open Saturday morning to catch those people.

I agree with Jim and Ray.
It takes a alot of hard work to put on a show of this size and I know both promoters will listen.
But we have to support the shows by going.

You said it Maurice you have to support it by going. I cant imagine the amount of hard work is involved behind the scenes putting one of these together so whatever days they pick im good because they are the ones doing the work. I know some may not like that comment, but again they are the ones doing all the work and there must be a reason why they pick those days. Im sure its not at random, such as other events going on at the hotel the day before or day after and so on.

Anyone that has been to IG knows that parking is very limited except for the airports long term parking lot across the street [that can only be entered w/ a Credit Card], so some vendors buy an adjoining space for tow vehicle. Instead of using the airport parking most buyers have to park 3-4 blocks or more away in residential areas, not a fun walk in the heat & humidity [Tues's heat index was 110].

I agree with the first two replies. Going back towards the weekend would make it better for the "new guys" as well as those of us who have been going for a long time. Do we make it work during the week - yes - but wouldn't it be easier to take a few days off at the end of the week instead of all week?? Let's go back to Friday as main swap day- everyone will roll in sometime thursday. Sell until it gets hot on Friday- then move inside for one great nite of room trading. Last minute bargain selling Saturday morning outside - then a 10am auction. See ALL of the show in 2 days -instead of having to pick and choose the 2 days you want to attend (early selling or auction?). If this is not feasible for some reason- let's at least push everything back by a day and go back to Saturday auction, Thursday main selling day. Just my 3 cents. And in reference to other posting about keeping postive- I do ALWAYS enjoy IA GAS, the variety for sale, the fun people, etc.. No reason we can't try to make it suit more people (especially new collectors which are VITAL to securing our investments in petroliana).

I think this question should be put to the vendors actually. I have seen shows fail fist hand cause there was no vendors selling but lots of buyers would show up. That being the Montana swap meet that used to be held in Billings, Mt.
I know the california guys do some selling outside and in their rooms which is great to see. i also set up outside for wednesday and thursday selling...both days were excellent for sales!! But driving 4000 miles round trip to sell ONE DAY and hope i don't get rained out doesn't sit well with me as a vendor.

see your point minuteman..... I too am a vendor - and honestly, one day in the heat is usually enough. Second day sales typically are fueled by falling prices if you choose that path - or I suppose those people who didn't make it the first day. But if it was all focused on one day -EVERYONE would be there (with day of auction as a rain date - pushing auction back later in day).

Can't please everyone that's for sure. Just know there a LOT of people who can't make the trek to Des Moines for a Wednesday-Friday show. Thanks for considering.....

My vote would be for 6am vendor set-up Friday, buyers enter at 8am, and go to Sat at 12 when at 1:00 pm you start the auction. Auction ends later Sat evening and then you can get a jump on heading home or leave Sunday morning. Just a thought.....

We love Iowa Gas. The friends we only see at that show from the Left Coast, the variety of merchandise for sale, etc.

But . . . it eats up an entire week for us.

We need to leave on Monday morning and drive most of the way out. We ended up staying in Iowa City this year and finishing up the drive early Tuesday morning.

With the size of our trailer (24' with an extended tongue) and a full-sized Dodge truck, we need a LOT of 'swing room' to get into our spots at the show. If we get there late, and there are too many other vendors in the lot and set up, we can't ge to our spaces without having them move a bunch of stuff.

We get in our spots and parked, but we don't bother setting up on Tuesday. We get up and out early on Thursday morning and get everything out of the trailer. Same for Friday - an early set up for the early birds.

We are usually one of the last vendors to tear down on Thursday afternoon.

Then if there is anything I can't live without, we stay for the auction on Friday.

Either way - auction or no auction - we leave for home on Friday. If we leave early, I drive straight through and get home late Friday night. If we attend any portion of the auction, we end up getting a place part way home for the night and finish the run on Saturday.

IMO - the move-in system at Columbus is the best thing to happen to that show EVER. It allows those vendors with big trailers to get into the lot first and get where they need to be without having to ask others to rearrange their wares for access.

If Iowa gas had a bigger lot, or one with easier access - or adopted the move in system used at Columbus, the show would be shortened for us. As it is, it takes an entire week out of our schedule

That being said, we ALWAYS have good sales at Iowa Gas and really enjoy the show.

Later . . .

Jim

it was suggested in another thread by another member that we have a survey on Old Gas - something to collect everyone's input and forward to the show promoters. I think this would be an invaluable tool. Let's how Jim or the moderators can get something set up - and as many people as possible who do attend - or would - chime in with their 2 cents..... thanks!
Possible Ideas - open to suggestions of course!

1) Leave as is - Wed/Thur Swap - Friday Auction
2) Thurs/early Fri Morning Swap - Friday Afternoon auction
3) Fri/Sat Morning Swap - Saturday afternoon Auction
4) Sat/Sun Morning Swap- Sunday Auctio

Thanks!

There are too many threads.
Just take it from someone that has made 23 straight CTO (I missed the first one), 24 IG shows, every Fall Carlisle for 10 years, every Fall Hershey for 10 years, every Indy show for about 10 years, Meterie in Georgia, Turkey Run at Datonia, Iola in Wisconsin, Lawarence, KS back in trhe 80s, Carlisle at Bloomington, Il, Tulsa in OK., Columbia in MO., and almot all as a vendor. You don't know how many tents I have put up, and how many tables I have pulled out of my trailer.
Years ago I was doing 22 shows in 52 weeks per year. I know what it is like to put up tents, set up tables put out stuff, and and do the opposite at the end of the show. Then spend every bit of time I could find to try and find more stuff to sell.
Before any of you start saying I only buy to add to my collection, I was also that way, but what if you find five of something, are you going to add all of them to your collection?
I don't mind telling everybody this, but when my wife, Cindy, and I got into the hobby, we were just married, and what we didn't tell each other, we were broke, and I was out of work. One day I told her, I was going to make money (to supplement her job with the government) from this hobby.
Without going into everything I purchased, actually I should say we, I told my wife, NOT OT FALL IN LOVE WITH ANYTHING WE ACQUIRED.
I started showing up at all the above show, one and two days before the shows began. This is when the real selling goes on. While I know the people who put on these shows don't want to hear this, but if you don't get the show started early, the guys will start gathering at the local Wallmart lot and exchange merchandise, then going to the show.

From someone who is 76 years old, having written four books for this hobby, contributed many answers to quiries here on Old Gas, a contributing editor to "Check The Oil" magazines, and have found and sold many very nice items which are now prized items in someone collections, I am slowing down.

So, regardless of what any one says, get to these show when the vendors are setting up, and move fast. Make decision fast, because there is someone right behind you wanting to buy the same item. This is all competition.

It starts on who finds the item first and put it out for sale, then it is who who sees it on a table and buys it first.

It doesn't matter what day the show starts, be there one or two days early, find the prizes, then go home early.

Great finds don't happen on the last day of the show.

Jack Sim

Wow Jack, What an idiotic response, THAT is why Shows have been declining and newcomers are not arriving anymore, Let's just arrive at the shows the Sunday and Monday before the Thursday start date, Then the promoters can just close the gates and go home on Wednesday.

4)

A little harsh there KZ1000....

I think Jack was just trying to make a point the the "deals" in reality happen prior to the show, regardless of when the show starts.

Maybe he wasn't exactly on target of the main thread of the discussion (when can most people be available to get to the show)but he certainly added a dose of reality for newbies like me. Pre-sales can't be stopped by the show organizer and are human nature.

I know there is a lot of "history" between veterans on this site, but hostile postings are as much a turn off to the younger generations who discover this site as high globe prices or low vendor turn out at a show. Hell even a crusty 52 year old SOB like myself would rather not see artillery practice on the web after a long day in the mines.

Peace brother,

Lee

I agree witn Jack. As for the show dates I like the Thurs, Friday vending with the Auction Saturday but will support the show either way. The promotors must be doing something right to make it the biggest gas show that has lasted for 20+ years.

I don't think you have to be there as early jack says at all. I will agree that it is somewhat a competition at times don't let 20 bucks get in your way at a show as the item will be gone as soon as you put it down if it's priced right. I have said this before many times things are presold way before the show and people are just picking it up. I still think you can find things on the last day and get some good deals as well. I encourage everyone to attend shows they only get better by you attending as Maurice said. When you go find out what works for you. Although I don't agree with Jack on being a day or two early that's what works for him. The trick is figuring out what works for you to make it the best show possible. Iowa gas is the best show out there and you will always find something to take home.

My remarks were a little misinterped, or possible you missed the point I was trying to make.
Guys were saying thay could only get off for one or two days and couldn't make the whole show, my advice was that if possible those two days should be at the beginning or the pre-beginning of the show, then go home if you have to. Again I will repeat, you won't find any bargins on Saturday afternoon. I never told anyone not to come to any show.

Jack Sim

KZ is right, if people adhered to rules no one would miss out on anything. The current setup of the shows eliminates those working adults like me who can't devote 7 days to an event. I for one was completely turned off by the Iowa Gas structure to the point I cancelled my day off from work when I found out I would need 3 days off to get stuff.

This whole thing is making me reconsider my entrance into this hobby and consider moving towards soda memorabilia or another hobby altogether.

You retirees may enjoy having these 4-5 day events that you can go to, spend time with friends and the like but for those of us under 60 who have to be at work on Monday morning no matter what would greatly prefer a Friday/Sat event with drive home time on Sunday. I don't get why an old timer would care what day it ends, they have nowhere to be anyway.

The ONLY reason the early selling goes on is because you all do it. If you didn't do it, arrived on the right days and got setup you would have more buyers and more buyers equals more money and more items sold.

In conclusion, I'm probably going to finish restoring my pump, monitor these threads and make a decision on whether or not to consider with this hobby.

FYI, for anyone who cares, I'm a 34 married technology executive in the midwest. I would never drive 2000 miles for this hobby (at this point in my life). I want to acquire these items because I love classic americana and want to keep nice things around for future generations.

I was 43 when I 1st went to IG. I left on a Monday & was home on Saturday, 4,000 miles driving by myself. Sure I could have flown, but they don't allow pumps in overhead storage!

IF it rained or was windy for 2-3 days when show is scheduled, would have been a waste of time/money for outside vendors & they would think twice about the next year.

Auction Thursday
Show Friday-Saturday

Kooky,

You are close enough to get to IG on Tuesday night and be there when the show starts on Wednesday morning. You won't miss much as most vendors do not set up until Wednesday morning, the ballromm does not open until 8:00 AM on Wednesday and many room vendors are not open until Wednesday. You can then be home later that night for work on Thursday. There is so much stuff to see inside and out at IG that you can't be the first to see most of it anyway. I would not decide if I am going to be in tis hobby only based on if you can go to one show. Peotone is even closer for you if IG does not work.

I am 41 and take the whole week off for IG simply because I love the show and this hobby.

globes and signs, great idea, auction on thursday, show fri and Sat

It's not necessary to attend any shows connected with this hobby. I've been doing this "hobby" for about 25 years and there is enough stuff around the area, on here at Oldgas, and the www to keep me happy. I have a gas station that's full of stuff, two garages and a barn all have stuff. Have never been to a show and see no need to go yet. No one will ever get the best collection, always someone somewhere that has more, better, bigger wallet, etc. I just collect what satisfies me and the biggest, best is great but who cares??? not me.

globes and signs, yes great idea.auction on thursday show fri. sat.

This was my first year and I would agree that a Thurs., Fri., Saturday would work better for alot of folks. But now that I know the rules of the road and that I should arrive on a Tuesday night I will adjust my schedule accordingly. If it works out I'll go. If it doesn't, it doesn't. Not a big deal either way. I do see how a big part of the event are the relationships people have. It's like a big guys weekend. And when it's about the relationships it doesn't matter what days the event is, you're gonna find a way to go and hang out with friends because it is great feeling to see friends you haven't seen in a while. So, my vote is for a Thursday, Friday & Saturday. If nothing changes, no problem with me I'll deal with it accordingly.

I've stayed out of these discussions so far but many of you know I can't stay out of them forever. At one of my previous jobs they used to call me "2 Cent" because I always gave my 2 cents! Is anyone surprised by that??
Das, your right about the friend thing. A lot of the guys know each other and it's a great time to meet up again. But I go every year with my friend from NE. He's a family guy who works hard but only has a limited amount of vacation. I have a limited amount too but IG IS my vacation! But if your like him and only get 10 days of vacation a year it's hard to tell your wife and kids your going to blow 3 days of it in a parking lot in Des Moines!
I just think it would be much easier for more guys (sellers and buyers)if it was closer to the weekend and shorter. I make almost ALL (80%) of my IG purchases and sales between Tuesday afternoon and Wed. afternoon. 24 Hours!
My opinion (2 cents) is that if the show was a weekend event (Sat and Sun) then many more guys would find it easier to go. Because they might only need to use one day of vacation instead of three. If I had a family I don't know that I would want to use up my vacation that way either! How many guys a day away from IG don't go for the same reason my friend almost hasn't the last couple years? It might be more than you think! You need to take Tues off to get to a show that starts Wed. and by Wed night you've spent your money and you have to take Thurs off to get home! And if there is something in the auction you want it's cheaper to bid on it online and have it shipped than miss a fourth day of work...and maybe end up sleeping on the couch!!
I think Iowa Gas IS the greatest show on earth but how much better might it be if it was on the weekend!
How many auto swaps and flea markets do you see happen in the middle of the week? Maybe some but not nearly as many as on the weekend!
Is Ron an oldgas user? I've never asked him but I am curious to know why they do plan it in the middle of the week. Lot's of guys I know are always asking the same thing.
chris

So it gets moved to Fri,Sat & Sun, & all the church guys [sellers & buyers]leave on Sat morning to be home for church on Sun!
No matter what days it's held, it'll never please the ones that don't/won't go now.

But also a major part of my point is it seems too long! What's wrong with 2 days? Swap one day, early swap and auction the next! And at least SOME of it on the weekend! I haven't stayed for the auction since probably 6 or 7 years ago. But I might stay if I hadn't already spent 3 days there and I need to get home!!