The OCA Fishy Swap Meet has been the latest addition to the OCA Calendar of events. It typically takes place in September, with the exact date being announced here in time for the event.

In 2008 we had our third OCA Fishy Swap Meet, and there is definitely a continuous growth trend - in the first year the OCA footed the bill to introduce the concept of swap meets in the area, in the second year we managed to break even, and now for the first time we realized a small profit, which is needed to keep the club going. Swap meets are still not as well attended in NE Ohio as, for example, in the Chicago region, but the benefits of the concept seem obvious - sellers get decent prices for their stuff without the uncertainty of an auction. Buyers have the chance to walk in and out at the time they choose and get what they want, without having to hang around all day waiting for a particular bag to be auctioned off.

For most visitors the event is not so much about actually swapping items, but there are many seller tables from which people can buy fish, plants, and everything related to fish keeping, usually paying in cash. The OCA Fishy Swap Meet is not restricted to cichlids - any fish, and in fact anything that is legal to sell in Ohio is allowed! A Swap Meet works much like the sales out of the rooms at the OCA Extravaganza, only that all sales take place in one big room. We all know how much we enjoy that part of the Extravaganza, so we feel the OCA Swap Meet is bound to become a huge success given time. Walk-ins are always appreciated. We love to welcome both, familiar faces of people who have supported the club for years, and complete newcomers to the fish keeping hobby.

We are particularly grateful for the support shown by many sellers, and the spread of fish, plants and dry goods available at the 2008 OCA Fishy Swap Meet was simply stunning. The event was also well attended by buyers, although the rainy weather might have kept some people away. We are confident that the 2009 OCA Fishy Swap Meet will be even better!