ORANGE COUNTY SWAP MEETS

It has been said that one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. The myriad of swap meets in Orange County lends some credence to that viewpoint.

Vendors, open-air stalls, an array of colorful gadgets, eager-beaver shoppers, junk dealers, new and “previously owned” wares give the swap meet attendees an almost old-fashioned carnival atmosphere. Haggling is expected and is part of the excitement.

Here are the county “swaps” and the particulars:

1. CYPRESS SWAP MEET

9200 Valley View St.

Cypress

(714) 952-9355

Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Admission and parking: free

Vendor information: 380 spaces available; rates are $12 a day for a 21-by-21-foot or 28-by-21-foot space; prime spaces available for $13-$30 a day; must pay in cash; space reservations up to two weeks in advance through the office at 5732 Camp St., Cypress, (714) 952-9847. Hours: 1 to 6 p.m.Tuesday and Wednesday, noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m. to noon Friday. Requires city vending license. After three rentals, must purchase a retail license from State Board of Equalization with above address. A 10% discount for monthly space.

Sales restrictions: Call for information

2. GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE

15744 Golden West St.

Huntington Beach

(714) 893-2389

Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Admission and parking: free

Vendor information: 600 spaces on Saturday, 350 on Sunday; rates are $12 in advance, $16 morning of meet. Advance space reservations taken in person on a cash-only basis from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays in Security Building; only monthly vendors may reserve by telephone or mail.

Sales restrictions: Food and beverages

Miscellaneous: Most merchandise is handicrafts and used goods

3. INDOOR SWAP MEET OF STANTON

10401 Beach Blvd.

Stanton

(714) 527-1234

Hours: noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Admission: free on Fridays and $1 on Saturday and Sunday; always free for children under 12 accompanied by adults and senior citizens over 60; parking is free

Vendor information: spaces are $300-$450, 8 feet by 12 feet. Must have resale license and license from city of Stanton. Credit check is mandatory

Sales restrictions: Except for antiques, merchandise sold must be new and not duplicate that being sold by other vendors

Miscellaneous: Aisles, bathrooms and elevators accommodate handicapped

4. ORANGE COAST COLLEGE

2701 Fairview Road

Costa Mesa

(714) 432-0202

Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Admission and parking: free

Vendor information: $12 in advance for 8-foot by 20-foot space (includes room for vehicle); Must buy space in advance from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at the Community Services Building, cash only. Retail license from the State Board of Equalization required

Sales restrictions: No food

5. ORANGE COUNTY MARKETPLACE

88 Fair Drive,

Costa Mesa

(714) 640-4633

Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Admission: 50 cents; children under 12 free; parking is free

Vendor information: $25-$100 per space per day, 15 feet by 27 feet. New merchandise preferred. Retail license from State Board of Equalization with above address required

Sales restrictions: No live animals

6. PACIFIC ANAHEIM SWAP MEET

1520 N. Lemon St. (at Riverside Freeway)

Anaheim

(714) 879-8388

Hours: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Admission: 25 cents on Saturday, 50 cents on Sunday; children free; free parking

Vendor information: Saturday and Sunday, $10 without reservations; $8 with reservations. Reservations available 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Retail license from State Board of Equalization with above address required

Sales restrictions: Call for information

Source: Individual swap meets