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.

Officially summer starts on June 20, but for car lovers at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, the first big brand specific summer happening is June 26-27 with the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals.  For 2020, more than 1,000 cars and a few hundred vendors are expected and this year’s event spotlights some special anniversaries, displays and guests along the way.

For two amazing days in Carlisle, the event spotlights 50 years of the Monte Carlo as well as the OFFICIAL Eastern Meet celebrating the Monte Carlo’s 50th!  This takes place within Building T and guests should expect to see some ultra-rare, unique and significant rides along with throngs of passionate enthusiasts.  The Monte Carlo celebration will also include a parade around the grounds on Saturday morning AND cars will come together to form a 50 on the north hill of the fairgrounds.

Along with the aforementioned Monte Carlo bash, 2020 at Carlisle also hosts some amazing cars and for this event, that theme continues.  Plans for this summer include a display honoring GM’s of the 1970s.  This Building T display welcomes cars built between 1970 and 1979 and is open to ALL makes under the GM umbrella, including Oldsmobile, Buick, Pontiac, etc.  In addition, Building T hosts the 50th Anniversary of the LS6 454.

Adjacent to Building T is Building Y and for this special weekend in June, guests can enjoy the always popular Solid Lifter Showroom.  Presented by Super Car Workshop, the building welcomes Yenkos, COPO’s and more.  Each indoor display as well as those outside on the National Parts Depot Showfield are just some of the many great aspects of the event.

Cars aren’t the only stars in 2020.  On June 27, guests can meet TV host Courtney Hansen.  Hansen has been part of Spike TV’s Powerblock, Autoweek’s Vinsetta Garage, PowerNation, Rides on TLC, Million Dollar Motors, Overhaulin’ and more!  She’s also a published author, releasing “The Garage Girl's Guide to Everything You Need to Know About Your Car” in 2007.  Find her in Building T for a FREE autograph, photo or simply pop in to say hi!

Activities are also a big draw and there are plenty planned.  Seminars offer a great automotive education and Friday and Saturday will have more than a few, covering a variety of topics.  In addition, car clubs converge on Carlisle to recruit, socialize and showcase their brand.  There’s also Friday evening track time as part of the real street shootout PLUS the all-NEW exhaust contest and more.

Something else that turns heads and makes the hairs on your body stand up is Nitrofest.  Powered by drag racing legend Bruce Larson, this is a chance for guests to enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of a retired top-fuel drag racing car and experience the start up process.  

To be involved with Chevrolet Nationals weekend, call 717-243-7855 or visit CarlisleEvents.com.  In addition to being able to register to show online, single day and full-event tickets are available.  Registration for the National Parts Depot Showfield is available through the week of the event, with online ticketing discounted through the event itself.  

To date in 2020, Carlisle Events has produced two events, while Carlisle Auctions has hosted one auction.  Those events happened in January and February, respectively.  Since then, the world has changed quite a bit due to COVID-19 and as such, for the first time in Carlisle Events history, car shows have been rescheduled with one (Summer Sale Auction) being canceled.

As the economy, businesses and more specifically car shows look to re-open, Carlisle Events has implemented social distancing measures and recommendations for its guests for at least the 2020 season, while also crafting special offers for customers that are valid for 2020 and carry over to 2021. 

Planned special offers are effective NOW through the MONDAY of each event and include the following:

1. By phone or online and in ADVANCE ONLY, customers who purchase single day or weekend spectator tickets or the ticket and parking package will be eligible for added DISCOUNT savings.This covers any Carlisle based show for 2020.Those looking to attend can do so as a non-car showing spectator at 25% off listed online ticket pricing.Again, discounts are available in advance by phone or online at CarlisleTickets.com only.A nominal $1 processing fee applies for online orders, but this isn’t just 25% off what a guest would pay for a ticket at the gate, it’s 25% off an already discounted online price point.  Full price applies at the gate.  Online discounts are no longer valid beginning Monday of a show week for your particular show.   
2. The season pass, which is valid for all Carlisle promoted events (including those in Florida) will revert to its Holiday Sale price of $71.99 ($69.99 for AACA members) now through the end of the season.In addition, it will include access to events in 2021 spanning January through May.This covers Auto Mania in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Winter AutoFest in Lakeland, Florida, Spring Carlisle, the Spring Carlisle Auction and the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.Season passes can be purchased by calling the Carlisle Events offices or online at Store.CarlisleEvents.com.
3. The aforementioned forms of access will also have a stand-alone no touch point of entry.That means for anyone who has purchased a spectator ticket in advance or comes with a season pass in hand, they’ll be able to park and head on grounds in a convenient and streamlined manner.
4. A NEW Gate-N-Go discount will be implemented for 2020. This discount historically is offered at 20% during the Holiday Sale and 10% through one month prior to the event. The one-month prior deadline remains, but between now and the deadline, Showfield/Fun Field Flash Sales will pop up online and on social media, giving guests a chance to register for 20% off the standard rate.
5. Vendors, many of whom attend multiple shows at Carlisle and beyond, will be offered an incentive too.This updated vendor space renewal discount will be available to all vendors renewing during the event.Call 717-243-7855 to learn more.

In addition, for all events on the schedule (including auctions), Carlisle Events/Carlisle Auctions will be proactive from a health, sanitation and social distancing standpoint within the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Carlisle Expo Center.  Measures are currently being finalized and when complete, will be outlined on CarlisleEvents.com and CarlisleAuctions.com.  In the meanwhile, for the latest CDC guidelines, visit CDC.gov.

Visit Carlisle Events online today or call 717-243-7855 for details on the upcoming season, links to register, purchase tickets and more.

During the week of April 20, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced initial steps to “re-open” the Keystone State.  While many aspects of the outlined measures offer an optimistic outlook for the coming weeks and months to Pennsylvanians, it also presents a potential timing conflict for events that host large-scale gatherings. 

With this new information and out of a continued abundance of caution for the Carlisle community, Carlisle Events staff and Carlisle Ford Nationals attendees, the 2020 Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s has been RESCHEDULED.  The original dates were June 5-7, with the NEW DATES now occurring July 31-August 2, still at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

The new July 31-August 2 dates offer guests even more time to enjoy the biggest and best all-Ford event of its type.  Nearly one month into the official start of summer, days will be longer, with historically sun-shiny skies blanketing the facility and the decades of Ford branded vehicles.  It’ll also offer a unique atmosphere on Saturday night, August 1 as hundreds of Fords roll into downtown Carlisle for the Downtown Carlisle Association’s Ford Parade and Street Party.

Though the event has changed dates, themes and displays are still on as planned.  This includes the annual Ford Nationals Select display, a 50^th celebration of the Grabber, the 15^th Anniversary of the Ford GT, a Euro Ford Garage that highlights the 50^th of the Capri and 35^th of the Merkur, a Thunderbird celebration and one focused on the Starliner too.  Guests and certain other entertainment aspects of the event are being reviewed at this time, with any possible changes, updates or cancellations being shared via the Carlisle Ford Nationals web channels, including CarlisleEvents.com and the event’s Facebook page in the coming days/weeks.

As with any rescheduled event, all original tickets, car corral spaces, vending or National Parts Depot Showfield spaces will be honored. 

“As a community and region, we are making progress, working with one common goal; that being to flatten the curve,” noted Carlisle Events co-owner Bill Miller.  “Progress is such that our state’s governor has shared a plan to re-open the state and its economy.  With that plan in place, we recognize the need for just a little bit more time before hosting large-scale events in Carlisle.  As such, we have decided to reschedule this year’s Ford Nationals from June to July,” continued Miller.  “We are getting there, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone in Carlisle this summer and beyond for our great events.”

During this event, as well as others on the schedule, Carlisle Events will continue to be proactive from a health and sanitation standpoint within the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Carlisle Expo Center.

• Carlisle Events and its neighboring properties will be adding additional sanitizer stations/disinfectant wipes to the food court, entry gates, ticket booths AND guest services.
• A no-touch point of entry will be made available for season pass holders and those who pre-purchase single day/full event spectator tickets.
• Carlisle Events employees, both full and part-time, will adhere to proper guidelines regarding protective apparel in accordance with current government standards, while also having access to hand sanitizer that is 60% (or greater) alcohol.
• Carlisle Events has secured a disinfectant from the suggested CDC list that quickly kills viruses and bacteria. This, combined with portable hand sprayers will be utilized in bathrooms, food court, vendor services, guest services and within the Carlisle Expo Center as part of auctions and third party events.
• Communicate these measures to our guests, staff and business partners.
• Additional measures and suggested healthcare guidelines are available on the CDC web page.
• Social distancing measures will be implemented and encouraged in various forms this season and possibly beyond.

For details regarding the NEW Carlisle Ford Nationals dates July 31-August 2, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.