Atlantic's 34th Annual Coca-Cola Days Festival Draws Record Number of Vendors
The 34th Annual Coca-Cola Days Festival in Atlantic was a huge success. The event, which included a swap meet, took place at the Cass County Community Center on September 26.
Kurt Roberts, President of the Iowa Chapter of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club and member of the Coca-Cola Days Committee, has been collecting Coca-Cola items for 37 years. He started his senior year of high school when he purchased a Coca-Cola machine, which sparked his interest in the brand.
Roberts said the swap meet is the only specific Coca-Cola swap meet held in Iowa and draws between 40 and 45 vendors from several states each year. He had a variety of items on display, including modern collectibles and older collector pieces, such as Tyler bottles.
The Tyler family founded the Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and Roberts said these bottles are 'very collectible' due to their local connection. While online options are available for collectors, many still prefer swap meets where they can see items in person and judge their condition.