I’m back from the long drive home from Georgia to Texas after attending the annual Georgia Aircraft Modelers Association (GAMA) and their Southeastern Model Show (SMS), aka “The Perry Swap Meet” in Perry, Georgia. This was my second trip to this “Super Bowl of Swap Meets” along with my good friend, Fitz Walker. We both agree this is one event you must attend once in your lifetime.
The two-day event happens every year on the last weekend in February. We chatted with folks that drove all the way from California, Colorado, and Virginia to experience the legendary event. I remember the first time I heard about this swap meet where incredible deals were made and long-lost model kits could be found. A member of my club came back after a trip to Perry with his car fully loaded with beautifully built models and entertaining stories from the original builders. My first trip back in 2022 is all a blur but I did come back with a few gems. I went back this year with a promise to walk down every aisle slowly and look through EVERY bin and box, including the space underneath the tables where some of the rare items could be found. Surprisingly, I came back with less than I expected (even though I brought my trailer for the “just in case I find a huge plane I can’t live without“), but had a great time meeting with vendors, sellers, and fellow AMA members. My buddy Fitz made out like a bandit and easily filled the space in the trailer with model goodies.
Event information:
– Georgia National Fairgrounds, 401 Golden Isles Pkwy, Perry, GA 31069, USA
– All 1045 tables in three separate buildings were sold out
– Over 200 vendors
– 2000+ patrons (non-sellers) came thru the gates
– Guests from South America, Turkey, Italy, Japan, and Canada were in attendance
– GAMA Website
2025 Perry Swap Meet / Flickr Photo Gallery
Watch Facebook video with Fitz Walker and Andy Griffith
The 2026 GAMA Southeastern Model Show is scheduled for February 27th & 28th. Put it on your calendar, you don’t want to miss it.
-Lee Ray / AMA Social Media Manager