TV hosts, TV cars, industry legends and throngs of cars/enthusiasts came to Carlisle, Pennsylvania for the annual Carlisle Chrysler Nationals car show.  From July 10-12 the grounds featured decades of history, all in once place.  In addition, there was parts shopping, special displays and more as Chrysler weekend became THE first big car show in the country for most attendees.

Things officially got up and running Thursday evening, July 9 as the Mopar Rebellion Car Club hosted its annual kick-off party at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center.  Here, over 400 cars cruised in and hundreds more mingled as music played in the background and the smell of barbeque on the grill provided the flavor of the evening.  As the sun set on the night, it ushered in the event itself, Friday, Saturday and even Sunday at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. 

With gates opening at 7 a.m. Friday morning, excitement was such that cars and enthusiasts rolled in non-stop until mid-day as they found their spot on the grounds to park and enjoy the event!  Once there, the special displays all around kept show-goers snapping photos and turning heads all day long.  Displays included ones dedicated to 50 years of the following:  Superbird, Challenger, Duster, Pro Stock and 1970 Charger, while also recognizing 25 ears of the Neon.  There was even a Survivor tent, where original/unrestored beauties sat two deep, amazing all those who passed by.

As Friday transitioned to Saturday, sunny skies and beautiful weather remained, as did the enthusiasm from everyone at Carlisle.  There was no shortage of special guests either.  Anchored by Garage Squad and All Girls Garage star Cristy Lee, the TV experts went from “as seen on TV” to “as seen at Carlisle.”  Lee was joined by Dave Rea, Butch Leal, the Golden Commandos, Herb McCandless, Joe Pappas, Ted Spehar and more.  Each spent time signing autographs, posing for photos and talking shop.  While most car owners would say their cars are the stars, there were two cars that stood out; a pair of Superbirds in Building T.  One was owned by NASCAR legend Richard Petty, the other was famously occupied by Jerry Seinfeld and Will Ferrell for the former’s program, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.”

Another hot draw for guests, both spectator and show car owners alike, was the Hellcat thrill rides from Dodge.  While the ride only lasts about 30 seconds, it’s the ride of a lifetime for many in a stock Hellcat Charger or Challenger.  Piloted by professional drivers from Dodge, the track at Carlisle was going non-stop all weekend, leaving guests wanting more!

A few nice added touches were mixed in with all the fun on Saturday, including a mid-morning wedding and a ‘70s themed car and costume parade around the grounds.  Finally, the fun of the parade culminated with the car community recognizing a guest battling cancer with a cash donation, autographed Richard Petty cowboy hat and a special message from Richard Petty himself.

While 2020 is a wrap, the 2021 event is already taking shape.  Planned displays include 50 years of the Demon and Old Skool paint jobs just to name a few.  If you can’t wait until July 9-11, 2021…Carlisle Events has an early Mopar option for you in sunny Lakeland, Florida as part of Winter AutoFest.  This event runs February 19-21 and features a Mopar Fun Field, complete with club awards and participant voting for awards.  Learn all about each event online and check out the 2020 winner’s list now at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

The Carlisle Ford Nationals have been THE destination for Ford lovers since its inception in 1995.  Since then, the relationship with Ford Motor Company has grown exponentially; so much so that Ford frequently recognizes the event as its jumping off point for showcasing new products in front of their enthusiast base.  Carlisle Events/the Carlisle Ford Nationals are excited to share that Ford will bring a quartet of new vehicles to Carlisle, showing them off for the first time in front of such large crowds.  In fact, select vehicles will essentially be on display for the first time anywhere!

Cruise to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds July 31-August 2 for the past, present and future of the brand on display, all in one place.  The future is now with Ford as they’ll proudly showcase their ALL-NEW 2021 F-150 Truck AND 2021 MACH 1 Mustang at Carlisle.  In addition, the 2020 GT350 and 2020 GT350R Heritage Edition Mustangs will be on display too.  With the national and international car show circuit essentially off the books for 2020, the Carlisle Ford Nationals become THE launching point and prime viewing location for these vehicles.

Ford MAY have some other surprise vehicles planned for event weekend, but what’s known and confirmed at this time is that those four rides will anchor their display at Carlisle.  Flanking these future classics will be their spacious Ford Lifestyle trailer.  Within and around this trailer will be stylish merchandise for sale and products on display that accessorize, power or compliment some of their most popular brands.

“It’s awesome to see the latest and greatest from Ford Motor Company each year,” noted Ford Nationals event manager Ken Appell.  “Ford partners with us each year to show enthusiasts their products and get feedback on them.  It’s great to see them back again this year with some really cool new Fords.”

New vehicles aren’t the only ones being showcased at Carlisle starting July 31.  Special displays will honor the past.  These highlights include a 15^th Anniversary display of the Ford GT featuring a LeMans raced GT, a Euro Ford Garage featuring the 50^th of the Capri and 35^th of the Merkur, a Thunderbird reunion, Starliner showcase and more!  While many of those rides will be indoors, the National Parts Depot Showfield will be laced with Ford branded rides spanning nearly every era of production.

Cars don’t just show at Carlisle, they go too.  Friday night features the real-street shootout, the GT display will come to life with track time and a parade around grounds, there’s an exhaust contest and of course the daily parade of cars coming and going from the grounds.

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant.  To learn more about the Health Safety Measures in place, plan the weekend via Advance Arrival info, register to show, become a vendor or simply purchase spectator tickets to go, visit www.CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.

It took a little while, but Carlisle Events was finally able to host its first specialty car show of the season.  For two days in June (26-27) all felt right with the world as the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals took over the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Over 700 cars adorned the National Parts Depot Showfield, spotlighting the past, present and future of the brand.  Yes; there were Camaros, but the show offered so much more than that.  Special displays highlighted the Nova, Monte Carlo, GMs of the ‘70s, LS6 454 and so much more. 

There were some new aspects for event weekend in 2020, including a rolling exhaust contest and first-time guest, TV host and author, Courtney Hansen.  For the exhaust contest, 12 cars competed in the finals in front of a trio of judges from the Capital City G8 Club.  When the proverbial dust settled, Rachel Lynch and her 2006 Trailblazer was selected as the winner.  For Hansen, her first-ever trip to Carlisle was a success, hosting two autograph sessions and even making a few purchases within the automotive flea market.

Otherwise, the Chevrolet Nationals maintained its position as the largest event of its type in the region.  Cars rolled on grounds throughout the day Friday and into the early part of Saturday.  One surprise entrant on the Showfield was a C8 Corvette, though its likely not the last time a C8 will be showcased at Carlisle this summer.

Participant balloting offered numerous awards for showgoers, as did Celebrity Judged selections, Carlisle Elite picks and Standard of Excellence, powered by eJudged.  These winners, combined with competitions like largest club, coolest club and the exhaust contest were recognized as part of the evening awards parade in front of the stage.

Showing cars wasn’t the only selling point to the event.  Vendors and midway partners made buying and selling simple within the automotive flea market.  From toy cars to collectibles, bikes to car parts, there was a little something for everyone.  Best of all, the deals came face to face vs. online sales where one never really knows what they’ll find or who they are buying it from.

This year’s event also hosted the launch of a season long campaign where guests can donate money or goods to the United Way or Project SHARE of PA.  Donation tins and bins are available at the main gates for all events between now and the end of Fall Carlisle on October 5.

There were some modifications to the Chevy event in 2020 only, as decisions were made in advance of event weekend to augment or eliminate select activities to best promote social distancing.

While 2020 is a wrap, the 2021 event isn’t all that far off.  The 2021 Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals take place June 25-26 and will once again be flanked by the single day Summer Sale, powered by Carlisle Auctions.  Displays for 2021 “Carlisle Comic Car Con,” a spotlight of GM themed TV and movie cars, the 50^th Anniversary of the Chevy Vega, and 50^th Anniversary of GM Swaps just to name a few.  To check out photos of this year’s event and learn more about this, and other events on the Carlisle schedule, visit www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Carlisle Events hosted its first Carlisle, Pennsylvania based event a few months later than normal recently, as Spring Carlisle finally took over the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds June 17-20.  The twice rescheduled event, as well as a few others on the season schedule fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Carlisle Events wasn’t the only organization put in a position of defining a new normal.  Food banks, shelters and support outlets for those in need were too.  In fact, many are still struggling to keep up with demand.  With guests planning to attend car shows this summer, Carlisle Events is pleased to announce a support partnership with United Way and Project SHARE.

Both local agencies work to serve those in need.  For Project SHARE, it’s their food pantry and for United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County, it’s helping community-based programs that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life.  This includes education, financial stability, health and basic needs.  In each instance, support is needed. 

Commencing with the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals (June 26-27), Carlisle Events will host a food drive and COVID-19 relief fund effort.  This effort will run throughout the remainder of the 2020 schedule, including the final Carlisle based event, Fall Carlisle (September 30-October 4). Donate a bag of non-perishable food items at the car shows this summer to support Project SHARE of Carlisle and support feeding our community.  Donations suggested include meal-related food items, toiletries and more.  There is also a virtual food drive (details on the Project SHARE web page).  Collection bins will be positioned outside of the main points of entry to the fairgrounds for guests to donate.  In addition, donations may be monetary in form as well.   These types of donations can be made direct via www.projectSHAREpa.org. 

“Project SHARE’s vision is ‘Nourishing Our Community…Awakening Hope,’” said Bob Weed, CEO of Project SHARE.  “Before and during this current crisis we have been providing nutritious food for our community in need,” continued Weed.  “We continue to serve our entire community in need through our monthly distribution days and our weekly Farmstand location where fresh produce, eggs, milk and bread are shared with all.  Safety and Nourishment remain our focal points in these days that we are moving through.  We will continue to serve with the support and encouragement of our community.”

United Way can be supported through their Carlisle Area Emergency Response Fund which is providing funding to local non-profits to prevent the spread of the virus, address emerging needs and meet community members’ basic needs. Carlisle Events will donate all money collected to United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County’s relief efforts where donations go directly to local non-profit organizations in the Carlisle community that were impacted by COVID-19. 100% of dollars donated will go back to the Carlisle area, a community that has long supported the car show excitement at the fairgrounds.

Secure drop box locations will be available and those who participate can donate before, during or after attending an event in Carlisle this year.

“We are trying to help our community during this difficult time,” said Carlisle Events General Manager Scott Amig.  “Please donate and help us support an area that’s been so supportive of us for so many years.”

“So far the Carlisle Area Emergency Response Fund has provided funding for handwashing stations, masks, gloves, and plexiglass shields as well as safe transportation to testing sites, a mobile paramedic capable of conducting COVID-19 testing and essentials such as food and shelter,” added Lu Flickinger, UW Resource Development Director.   “For more CAER Fund info visit us online at www.uwcarlisle.org.”

To learn more about the 2020 car show schedule, visit www.CarlisleEvents.com or for donation details, jump to www.projectSHAREpa.org or www.uwcarlisle.org.

The 2020 auction season for Carlisle Auctions shot out of the gate with so much promise as part of its Winter AutoFest Lakeland event in February.  Since then, plans were being formulated for four additional auctions spanning April through November.  Now, with COVID-19 altering what everyone accepted as normal, Carlisle Auctions regretfully announces the cancelation of its Spring auction…kind of.  The cancelation is tied to the in-person experience ONLY, as Carlisle Auctions is pleased to share that a Spring auction will take place online via digital platform Awesome Joe Auctions. 

The Spring auction was scheduled to be auction number two and run in conjunction with Spring Carlisle.  Originally scheduled for late April, the Spring event was twice moved to its current June 17-20 dates.  While plans were in motion for a two-day Spring auction (June 18-19), the reality is, while it’s easier to social distance within a large outdoor venue where foot traffic is in constant motion; the ability to social distance within a smaller, indoor venue where many people stay stationary for prolonged periods of time is not a viable option at this time.  The in-person cancelation is related to 2020 ONLY and it will return starting April 22, 2021.

As noted in the opening paragraph, a digital opportunity now exists with online auction platform Awesome Joe Auctions.  The opportunity to consign or register to bid for this all-new online experience commences on June 17, with the auction itself starting on June 21 at 7 p.m.  The three-day digital opportunity concludes on June 23 at 7 p.m.  Much like Carlisle Auctions, AJA offers a FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee with competitive buyers and sellers fees too.  Best of all, while other cars may be showcased during this timeframe as part of the AJA auction, cars specific to the Spring Carlisle auction will be branded with a Carlisle Auctions logo.  Anyone looking to learn more about the Carlisle Auctions brand and its events should contact Carlisle Auctions at 717-960-6400, while buyer and seller registration for this online experience takes place at www.AwesomeJoeAuctions.com.  Finally, team members from AJA will be on-site at Spring Carlisle positioned within the car corral, offering an opportunity for sellers at Spring Carlisle to consign and sell via their online auction platform.

Launched on Cyber Monday 2019, AJA is the new online auction platform for the modern enthusiast that offers a collection of modified, motorsport, classic, exotic, and other commodity autos for collectors, racers, and hobbyists.  Developed by Andy Lally ALIVE® and Carlisle Auctions, Awesome Joe Auctions was created to capture all the excitement of a live car, truck, and motorcycle auction and put it in the palm of every motoring enthusiast’s hand.  The AJA/Carlisle Auctions history includes Carlisle Auctions two more recent auctions, with select “still for sale” consignments from Carlisle Auctions landing (and selling) on the AJA web page (link below). 

In addition to the cancelation of the in-person Spring auction and as a direct result of the auction originally being moved from its April dates to June, Carlisle Auctions has also canceled its Summer Sale auction for 2020.  Further, and also due to COVID-19, the November auction, Sunset-Carlisle in Sarasota, Florida, has also been canceled.  Those three auctions are the only cancellations currently.  Carlisle Auctions is looking forward to its next planned auction, October 1-2 at the Carlisle Expo Center as part of Fall Carlisle.  EVERY canceled 2020 auction WILL RETURN to the Carlisle Auctions schedule in 2021.

“We are disappointed that our loyal enthusiasts won’t be able to enjoy the Spring auction in the same manner that they’ve come to expect over the past few years,” noted Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline.  “Though we’ve had to re-evaluate and re-tool the in-person experience for many of our auctions in 2020 ONLY, we’re confident of two things.  First, the partnership with Awesome Joe Auctions in place of our Spring auction will still give buyers and sellers a chance to do what they do best AND when we return to the Carlisle Expo Center October 1-2 as part of Fall Carlisle, we’ll all be long overdue for a good time with cool cars and great people.” 

Though the in-person Spring auction isn’t happening, plans are still moving forward for Spring Carlisle itself.  The four-day event runs June 17-20 with buyers and sellers converging on the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds for parts, merchandise, collectibles and more.