About This Festival
Jay County Fairgrounds, located at 806 E Votaw Street, Portland, Indiana, lies in the heart of Jay County, a rural Midwestern community known for its agricultural roots and friendly, tight-knit atmosphere. Portland is the county seat, offering a historic downtown, local eateries, and a peaceful, family-friendly ambiance. The fairgrounds are easily accessible and serve as a central gathering place for a variety of local events, reflecting the community’s pride in both its heritage and patriotic traditions. Ample open space and facilities mean the event is well-equipped to handle large crowds and provide accessible experiences, including for those with mobility needs.
Event Vibe
The 34th Annual Military Vehicle Show & Swap Meet is much more than a car show—it’s a celebration of military history, patriotism, and community spirit. Visitors can expect a family-friendly, educational, and interactive environment with a strong sense of camaraderie among collectors, veterans, history buffs, and the general public. The event merges museum-quality displays with hands-on experiences, including the rare opportunity to ride in historic helicopters. There’s a bustling swap meet atmosphere, with vendors and attendees haggling over parts, vehicles, and militaria, while food stands and living history reenactments add to the festive, welcoming vibe. Admission is free, making it accessible to all and contributing to its inclusive, community-driven feel.
Activities
- Military Vehicle Displays: Jeeps, trucks, tanks, and helicopters from various eras are on display, offering a close-up look at historic military technology.
- Helicopter Rides: One of the event’s highlights, weather permitting, is the chance to take a ride in a military helicopter.
- Living History Displays: Reenactors and exhibits bring military history to life, offering insights into the daily lives of soldiers and the broader historical context.
- Museum of the Soldier Open House: The adjacent museum is open during the event, showcasing artifacts, uniforms, and personal stories from American servicemen and women.
- Fundraiser Dinner: An annual dinner supports the Museum of the Soldier, combining the vehicle show with a community fundraiser.
- Swap Meet: Vendors and private sellers offer military vehicles, parts, uniforms, equipment, and memorabilia for sale.
- Military Vehicle Parade: Saturday features a parade through downtown Portland, drawing crowds and adding to the festive atmosphere.
- Indiana MVPA Meeting: The Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association holds its official meeting following the parade, offering a chance for networking and club business.
- Food Vendors: Local food stands provide refreshments throughout the event.
- RV & Tent Camping: Overnight camping is available for those wanting to stay on-site.
Rough Schedule & Locations
| Day | Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | 9am–4pm | Vehicle displays, swap meet, museum open, helicopter rides, living history, food | Fairgrounds main area, museum building |
| Saturday | 9am–3pm | Vehicle displays, parade (10am), MVPA meeting (post-parade), swap meet, museum open, helicopter rides, living history, food | Parade: downtown Portland; other activities: fairgrounds |
Event History & Founding
The Military Vehicle Show & Swap Meet began 34 years ago as an initiative by the Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association (Indiana MVPA), a group dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and public education about military vehicles. The event was established to bring together collectors, enthusiasts, and the public to celebrate military history, share expertise, and support veterans. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the region’s premier military vehicle gatherings, now held in partnership with the Museum of the Soldier—a local museum with a mission to honor the service and sacrifice of American troops. The event’s longevity and popularity reflect Portland’s deep respect for military heritage and its commitment to community engagement through living history and education.
Summary
The Military Vehicle Show & Swap Meet at Jay County Fairgrounds is a major annual highlight for Portland and the surrounding region, blending education, entertainment, and community spirit in a relaxed, patriotic atmosphere. Its diverse activities, from helicopter rides to museum tours and swap meets, appeal to history enthusiasts, families, and collectors alike. The event’s strong roots in local military heritage and its partnership with the Museum of the Soldier have made it a cherished tradition, fostering connections between past and present, veterans and civilians, and the Jay County community.