Nearly a decade ago, Tait Harbaugh, better known as Papa Tater, comedian, magician, and entertainer for people of all ages, had an idea. Having watched his fellow entertainers and experienced his own overload of purchasing magic tricks when he first began performing, Papa Tater thought that maybe a swap meet would be a great way to make some of his extra inventory disappear and help support Steps to Success, a nonprofit Christian preschool and day care service directed by his wife, Michelle Harbaugh.

The event was so successful over the years that what Papa Tater believes to be the seventh Entertainers' Swap Meet will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 18 Quarry Road, Leola, on Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More than 40 tables are booked, plus a special swap table where attendees may swap an item of equal value for another or make a donation to Steps in exchange for an item. The event, which is free to visit and open to the public, also includes a magic mini-convention.

While the swap meet is focused on entertainment equipment and props, Papa Tater noted that the door is left open for tricks. "It's a room full of entertainers, mostly magicians, and that can be fun," he said. "You get to walk around and talk to magicians."

"And they like to show off," added Michelle.

Papa Tater noted that while the mini-convention is mostly magic oriented, juggling and puppet supplies are often available. "We really never know what will show up, which is part of what I love about this," he said. "We get a roomful of magicians and some are bigger-name magicians, so the things that show up are incredible ... things I never thought I would see in person or something I never knew existed." Among the items that have been offered for purchase was a bed of nails that Papa Tater had a chance to lie on, a large ball that an entertainer walks on that was used by a circus performer, and full-size guillotines. "We have everything from beginner magic to stage illusions on sale," said Papa Tater, who displayed an Axtell polar bear puppet called Snowball as part of his own inventory. "Axtell is one of those companies that make ventriloquists sit up (and take notice). This is a professional puppet that sold for maybe $500 new." Performance-related items that are encouraged include items related to flow arts, acrobatics, face painting, balloon twisting, and DJ equipment.

Steps to Success will provide food by donation. Traditionally, hot dogs and sauerkraut and baked goods have been on the menu.

According to Papa Tater, the goal has not changed since he first envisioned the event. "The objective is to hold a successful fundraiser for Steps and to help the magic community to redistribute tricks and supplies," he said.

More information about the event may be found by searching for "Pennsylvania Entertainers' Swap Meet" on Facebook.