Debunking The Legend Of The Star Lite Swap Meet

Growing up in South Tacoma, the Star Lite Swap Meet held mythical fascination for me—I’ve always imaged dark hallways and parking lots full of cursed treasure, peddled by sellers with hooks for hands, perhaps an eye patch.

Maybe I’ve seen too many movies, but you get the point. After years of driving past without stopping, I decided to venture in to the Swap Meet one sunny Saturday afternoon to see if I could haggle my way into a set of ninja throwing stars, or a knockoff Coach bag—whichever caught my eye first.

Clueless that I was, I queued up for a parking spot off 84th Street. The line meandered through the parking lot through a back alley, guided by an angry-looking man in an emergency blazer, smoking a cigarette. In front of my car, a van suddenly decided it had waited long enough and attempted to do an Austin Powers-worthy, 12-point turn out of the parking lot. Dismayed, the lot attendant ran up to the drivers side window, gesturing wildly. After what appeared to be a heated exchange between the two (I couldn’t hear because I rolled up my windows and locked the doors), the van was able to slip out onto South Tacoma Way, and the caravan rolled forward.

In front of the entrance to the Swap Meet, a sombrero-sporting guitar player merrily picked away at a tune. Entrance was $1.

We were pushed through, to a lot full of tents and a warehouse of haggling adventures.

Scanning the wares, I quickly realized that my imagination—the idea of what I thought the Swap Meet could be—was more exciting than the goods I was confronted with.

Power tools, electronics, shoes, clothing and toys—where were all the artisans? The handcrafters? Exotic jewelers or furniture? For all its mystery, the Star Lite Swap Meet was just ordinary in plain daylight—a place where many do their weekly shopping, but with the advantage of haggling with a "private seller" (although I'm pretty sure a lot of the stuff had been stolen.)

I canvassed all ends of the outdoor shopping area, but to no avail. Inside, I found more of the same—booth after booth of clothes, spices, toys and electronics. You can even get a haircut—or a tattoo—there is a full-service hair salon and tattoo/piercing parlor.

Finally, in the back corner of the building, I found the weapons—throwing stars, knives and swords. Displayed nicely behind glass with clearly-marked prices, this wasn’t exactly the sellsword’s corner I’d expected to stumble upon.

My final hope for the Star Lite Swap Meet was that the food court would redeem itself, but unfortunately it fell flat—I decided to pass on the soggy burritos and pathetic nacho plates I saw leaving the register.

Disappointed and treasure-less, I left the Swap Meet with nothing but disappointment.

I think when I retell this story to others, I’ll tell some outrageous story about the ninja stars and tattoos. Or just pretend I’ve never been and dream along with them. Turns out, sometimes the myth is more fun than reality.

IF YOU GO:

Visit the Star Lite Swap Meet at 8327 South Tacoma Way in Lakewood. 

Schedule

Indoors

Tue-Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat-Sun 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Outdoors
Tue-Fri 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission