Introduction:
The Tanque Verde Swap Meet is a communal market environment. It is currently located in the corner of Palo Verde Road, near Ajo Way. The Swap Meet is open from Friday to Sunday every week but it is primarily visited on Friday and Saturday. The Tanque Verde Swap meet is the largest outdoor market in Southern Arizona. Every weekend, hundreds of individuals and families gather to enjoy a vivacious atmosphere full of fun activities for kids, variety of food trucks, and a market full of interesting and affordable items to purchase.
History:
The Tanque Verde Swap Meet was originally located at the corner of Grant and Tanque Verde in 1975. It all began with a college student, Richard Chapin, trying to earn money to keep his academic journey afloat by selling handmade tables in the corner of Tanque Verde. He would stand there as a lone vendor until he was able to recruit a couple more vendors to accompany him. The notorious heat that characterizes Tucson, Arizona caused the initial layout of the Swap Meet to fail as both customers and vendors were discouraged by the outdoor setting under the scorching heat. Chapin found a solution by adorning all the vendor stations with Christmas lights in order to keep business going in the night time, when the temperatures dropped. As a result, the Tanque Verde Swap Meet that we now know, was born. The Swap Meet was forced to move in 1986 and relocated to 4100 S. Palo Verde Rd. The relocation was beneficial as it brought a bigger clientele.
Management Information:
The Tanque Verde Swap Meet was created by Richard Chapin in 1975 and was run by his entire family. His sister Linda Fiore was appointed President when it first became a business. Additional family members of Chapin such as wife, nieces, and nephews began to join the business in the following years. The Chapin family ran the Tanque Verde Swap Meet until 2019 when United Flea Markets acquired it for 7 million dollars, becoming the company's first property in Arizona. The Chapin family has expressed their contentment with United Flea Markets keeping alive the legacy of the market by keeping it thriving and honoring its history.
Vendor Information:
The Tanque Verde Swap Meet is a total of 30 acres, 19 acres being dedicated to the vendors and the remaining 11 acres dedicated to parking. An approximate of 700 vendors gather nightly to do business. The product of vendors varies greatly with it ranging from household items, to products of entertainment, to beauty items, to clothing, to fresh produce, and etc.
Vendors have to complete an online form in order to reserve a space for themselves. Vendors will fill out basic information then submit a form then wait to be contacted by a representative to choose a plan and reserve their spot for the night. The basic price for a spot on Friday is $21, Saturday is $32 (allowing any size space), Sunday is $16 (allowing any size space). The prices are subject to increase with ad-ons.
Environment:
The Tanque Verde Swap Meet creates a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for family outings and hangouts. Majority of the vendor stations and general posts are adorned with beautiful, colorful, lights that create ambiance. Music is a staple sound; musicians sing and play their instruments at the center of the swap meet, prompting people to sing along and to dance. Kids can enjoy the ride area that contains a handful of carnival rides for the children to let loose in. Children and adults can also visit the fish exhibit and see the variety of fish found within. Great bargains are met with great food and snacks to create the ultimate experience. For only a $1 entrance fee, individuals can enjoy a local weekend night of fun and adventure.
Comida Park:
With United Flea Markets' aquisition of the Tanque Verde Swap Meet, a food truck area called Comida Park was added to the Swap Meet. Comida Park has food trucks offering all kinds of foods and treats. Some offer snacks such as churros, kettle corn, and shaved ice while others offer an assortment of food such as seafood boils, tacos, American-Asian food, Sonoran hot dogs, and Mexican food.
Sources:
“About Us | Tanqueverde.” Tanque Verde Swap Meet, https://www.tanqueverdeswap.com/copy-of-events-1. Accessed 22 February 2024.
“Sell | Tanqueverde.” Tanque Verde Swap Meet, https://www.tanqueverdeswap.com/copy-of-shop-1. Accessed 22 February 2024.
“Tuscon, AZ.” Comida Park, https://www.comidapark.com/location-pages/comida-park-tucson-az#LOTI3. Accessed 22 February 2024.
“United Flea Markets Acquires Tanque Verde Swap Meet in Tucson for $7 Million.” Real Estate Daily News, https://realestatedaily-news.com/united-flea-markets-acquires-tanque-verde-swap-meet-in-tucson-for-7-million/?print=print. Accessed 22 February 2024.
