By Caroline Lieber
Special to the Leader
Blue skies and cool temperatures were the perfect background for the inaugural Mega Swap Meet, held last Saturday, May 7.
The event, sponsored by the Lucerne Valley Chamber of Commerce, was the brainchild of Diane Holland. Her vision came true as swap meet booths all up and down Highway 18 and a portion of Old Woman Springs Road hosted a wide variety of vendors in eight locations. Donna Soria led the organization duties.
Birgit Perry and Aaron Wyatt, long-time Lucerne Valley residents, had a display of knives at their table at the Senior Center.
“I used to collect knives, but I only want to keep my favorites," Wyatt said. "I want to let others enjoy some of them."
While the morning was quiet, they were hopeful for a busy day. “It’s early. People like to sleep in on a Saturday,” he added.
The Sounds of Silent Spirits Rescue and Sanctuary, an animal rescue organization in Lucerne Valley, had a booth at the Lucerne Valley Shopping Center. “The proceeds from the sales all go to the animals,” said Cindy Godwin, one of the people tending the booth.
Across the street at Henry’s Bargains, the Hoskin Family booth hosted many tables of wares and a tent to ward off the sun. This three-generation family affair came about because Robbie and Char Hoskin, long time Lucerne Valley residents, decided to downsize following some health issues for Robbie that have now resolved.
“They are the perpetrators,” said daughter-in-law Jenny Hoskin, “this is what we have collected as a family over a long time.”
Grandchildren Garrett, Jody and Megan were on hand to help out. Char Hoskin said, “It is really nice to have this swap meet, to be able to sell our wares and to visit with people that I don’t see often.”
“We want to pass along to those who might need what we have,” added Robbie.
The fun will continue as family members from all over the high desert will celebrate Robbie’s health at a Saturday night dinner.
There were food offerings scattered about, including water at some sites and bake goods at the Lucerne Valley Market. Jean Magee was selling her homemade fudge in the Chamber of Commerce office.
Terese Hartjoy of Lucerne Valley invited her friend Erica Meraz of Riverside to share a booth at the Cadillac Antiques site. Meraz, who makes and sells homemade soaps, came with her 5-year-old daughter Sabeen for the day.
The Desert Crossroads Garden Club had a booth at the Lucerne Valley Market. “We are growing some great plants,” said member Sara Delperdang.
Additional sites included R M Masters Hay & Feed and Jack O’ Landia, which had an exceptionally large number of vendors. The Hay & Feed store enjoyed one of the most visible locations in town, located at one of the "four-way stop" corners.