Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation

Thermopolis, Wyoming

BOTTLE SHOW & SWAP MEET

The second annual Big Horn Basin Bottle Show & Swap Meet will be held Friday-Saturday, September 12-13, at the National Guard Armory.

The show will include exhibitors from around the state. Because of the interest, the show has expanded from bottles to other collectibles - coins, tools, barbed wire, porcelain, textiles and paper goods.

"What makes a bottle special is you're holding a little piece of history in your hand," said Ed Capen, Thermopolis. "A bottle can tell you where people lived and what they ate in past times. On another level, you can learn the history of companies and the development of manufacturing, bottling and food preservation."

Like most collectible hobbies, it is not hard to get started. "You can make an interesting collection with inexpensive bottles and jars you can buy in the grocery store today, ones you can dig yourself or pick up at a yard sale," said Capen.

"Then you can get really serious. It's not unusual to see a rare bottle go for two or three thousand dollars on an online auction, such as eBay."

A show and swap meet is an excellent way to find out more about a hobby. "Most people who exhibit at collectible swap meets like to talk about their collection, and they're happy to tell you the story behind their bottles - even the ones that got away."

For information on table space, times and prices, contact Ed Capen, .

Funds raised from the event go to Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation community activities fund.