I arrive at the Enumclaw Expo Center Saturday about noon, not knowing exactly what to expect because this is my first swap meet setup. I have had to work the Saturday before in years past.

When I get into the building I see that some of the KnuckleHeads already have it half setup and going smoothly so I pop outside. Again, a handful of KnuckleHeads (and prospective KnuckleHeads) are already going strong on getting the outside marked out. Happily I let them keep going without my interruption and I busied myself finding the city parks worker and getting the gates and ticket booths opened up then getting some trash cans out.

Three p.m. rolls around and we have a small line up of vendors waiting at the gate. Once we start letting them in to set up their booths time flies by. Every one was organized and efficient in setting up their stuff and getting out of there only to come back in the morning for the event. Around seven, we shut the gates for the night and went to town for dinner.

I get to the park Sunday morning about 5:15 and see that our security team is already up and moving around. While putting the finishing touches on the park, I see the line start building at the gate with more vendors ready to set up.

Six a.m. means a big wave of trucks, vans, trailers and parts comes rolling in as we direct them to their resting spot for the day. Again everyone worked well together getting things in order. Giddy Up Espresso was there cooking up breakfast and coffee, a welcome first for us at the swap meet.

Around 9 a.m., the public started getting excited to come in and get their needed parts and find the best deals ... the next big wave ... this one of feet and faces, pours in.

The haggling and bartering begins as vendors try and make money and spectators try to save it.

Walking around I hear stories of great deals being found, nothing to fancy others, vendors making money and some not doing the best. Some years are better than others for everyone. Some guys who made nothing last year had a good profit this time around and the ones that did well in the past may have had an off year.

That is how swap meets work. However, most people sounded satisfied with the turnout and let us know this is one of their favorites to attend.

Lunchtime came around and I chose the pulled pork sandwich and a bratwurst from the Pony Express. I always love BBQ and these guys did not disappoint. Lunch was great.

After helping some buyers load engines, trannies, tires, and even an entire jeep body, into their trucks it was getting close to closing time. Some vendors trying to escape early get stopped and reminded that we cannot let vehicles move until 4 p.m. Everyone understands and is happy to oblige. When closing-time rolls around vendors are quick to load up and head out and they all do it safely.

We tried to thank every vendor on their way out but I am sure we missed a few. If we missed you, “THANK YOU” for making this another successful White Knuckle 4x4 swap meet and we look forward to seeing you again next year. Every year we learn a few things to help us out the following year and this was no different.

Again, thank you to all the vendors and spectators. Your patience and cooperation are very much appreciated. We're getting better at this every year with the help of your suggestions and comments.

Also thanks to all the non-KnuckeHeads that helped us out this year. You really helped carry the load and made things much easier.

And a last thank you to the staff at the Enumclaw Expo Center for all of their support and for putting up with us.