The cars and the people have been coming to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds since 1974 and since 1990, cars have been parading into downtown Carlisle.  First, it was the Downtown Carlisle Corvette Parade, Park, and Party, then in 2011, the Fords started rolling in with a similar event.  While the route these iconic vehicles have taken has been virtually unchanged for years, 2023 will offer a little something different as the look of downtown Carlisle continues to evolve.

JUST ANNOUNCED, the Corvette and Ford parade routes and staging will change beginning this year.  The change is due to road work and construction near the intersection of North Hanover St. and Spring Rd./Route 34.  As such, vehicles will now stage at the Carlisle Expo Center (100 K St.) and roll exclusively on Pitt St. before turning onto High St. and fanning out at the square in downtown Carlisle.  Instead of vehicles parading into town by way of Clay St. or Spring Rd./Route 34, then turning onto North Hanover St., vehicles will embark on this new route, meaning new scenery for participants and fresh views for spectators.

The new path, carefully evaluated and crafted in a combined effort by the DCA, Carlisle Events, and local authorities, still allows the community and non-participating guests alike to line the streets of downtown Carlisle and enjoy the parade.  That means that while the cars will be coming from a different direction, the chance to shop and dine in downtown Carlisle remains unchanged.  Better yet, this new route allows those who line up along High St. between Pitt and the town square to have an all-new opportunity to see the full parade, including the front of the special VIP/front of the pack cars and special guests.  Historically, this parade segment would travel exclusively on North Hanover St.  

“The Downtown Carlisle Association routinely partners with Carlisle Events to host the Park & Party parades during the Ford Nationals and Corvettes at Carlisle shows,” noted DCA Director Stacey Gould.  “For 2023, to continue with this tradition, we needed to identify an alternate course to bypass the planned construction of the new roundabout on North Hanover Street, slated to begin this summer,” continued Gould.  “Optimistically, we believe the revised route maximizes the benefits of efficient parking and safety for everyone involved. The amended plan reduces the number of street closures, specifically the state highways, which directly impacts the traffic flow through the downtown. The direct route also offers an improved experience for parade participants and spectators.”

Registration for both parades is currently available by way of CarlisleEvents.com on the Carlisle Ford Nationals or Corvettes at Carlisle web pages.  In addition, complete details about both car shows as well as every other event on the 2023 Carlisle Events schedule can be found online too.  In addition, car show registration, vendor sign-ups, discounted spectator admission tickets, gift cards, and more are all just a click away within the Carlisle Events web store or by calling 717-243-7855.

New Parade Route Map - Click Here

The 2023 Carlisle Ford Nationals takes place June 2-4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, and believe it or not, this year’s event just might be even bigger than its record-setting predecessor from 2022.  Gates open at 7 a.m. daily for this massive gathering of Ford lovers from around the world, all converging on Carlisle to see special displays, meet industry guests, watch the wheels in motion, and check out decades of past, present, and future excellence from Ford.

From the time the first guest enters the gates on Friday the 2^nd through the departure of the final show car on Sunday the 4^th, the facility will be bustling with Blue Oval excitement.  Announced special displays this year include those showcasing SVT, Coyote powerplants, the Lightning, 40 Years of Saleen, the Malaise Era, and more.  In addition, the annual Ford Nationals Select Display returns to Building Y, offering a glimpse of at least a dozen vehicles unique to the history of Ford.

Get out those cameras, because not only are there focused gatherings of unique vehicles by way of the displays, but the National Parts Depot Showfield will also be PACKED with car owners who want to show off their prized Ford to anxious throngs of spectators.  Those same owners and spectators will revel in planned vehicle walkarounds at the stage, some wheels-in-motion competitions like rolling burnouts and donuts presented by Atturo Tires, a rolling exhaust contest, and even some track time with the Real Street Shootout.  In addition, select special displays will transition from parked to rolling for on-grounds parades, while the Downtown Carlisle Association presents its annual Ford Downtown Parade, Park and Party on Saturday, June 3.   

But wait, there’s more…a whole lot more.  Ford weekend draws in the star power by way of people and cars/trucks.  Both elements will stand front and center through a series of vehicle unveilings and activities.  Specifics on which major companies and what they’ll be unveiling will be announced soon by way of the Carlisle Ford Nationals Facebook page and online at CarlisleEvents.com.

Seeing the guests and show cars isn’t the only option for attendees.  There’s also a nice mix of vendors set up, offering Ford parts, accessories, collectibles, etc. within the automotive flea market and Manufacturers Midway.  Further, the food court offers a nice mix of fare, suitable for all ages.      

Registration for the Showfield is now open and will no doubt welcome even more of these historic masterpieces.  In addition, discounted spectator admission tickets are available online, while kids 12 and under are admitted FREE.  Register to show, purchase spectator tickets, and learn more about the 2023 Carlisle Ford Nationals online at CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855 today.

Officially the first day of Spring has come and gone, but while Spring (the season) is still figuring itself out, Spring (the automotive event in Carlisle) is shaping up to be one for the ages, both within the automotive flea market of Spring Carlisle and the two-day collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions.  Spring Carlisle happens April 19-23 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and hosts a collector car automotive flea market and car corral, while next door at the Carlisle Expo Center, Carlisle Auctions offers its spring auction, April 20-21.  Both events draw car lovers from around the world and this year, the auction has even more eyes on it for a variety of reasons. 

The auction is always a hotbed of excitement, with some 400+ classic and collector vehicles spanning all eras of production crossing the block.  The wow factor is amplified this time, though, as something that’s never happened before will happen!  Carlisle Auctions is excited to share that a 1953 Corvette, Serial #100 to be exact, will cross the auction block on Friday, April 21.  This ’53 is an NCRS award winner and includes many functional and original build parts.  A ’53 is rare overall in that only 300 were ever built, rarer yet is one popping up for sale.  Expectations are that this will be the star of the event, with bidder attention from around the world by way of in person, on the phone, and online bidding.

In addition to the ’53, Carlisle Auctions is pleased to announce the inclusion of the Robert Metzgar Collection.  This collection comes to Carlisle Auctions by way of Robert Metzgar, a 1960 Penn State graduate and professionally, the former owner and president of Warren (PA)-based North Penn Pipe and Supply.  The 20+ lots span decades and include (in no particular order), a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette, 1955 Buick Century, 1954 Buick Century, 1965 Chevrolet Covair 140, 1964 Ford Galaxie 500, 1955 Ford Thunderbird, 1930 Ford Model A, 1982 Chevrolet Corvette, 1990 Cadillac Brougham Limousine, 1992 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, 1950 Chevrolet 4 Door, 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible, 1977 Volkswagen Beetle, 1977 Volkswagen Beetle, 1962 Jeep Pickup Truck, 1947 Willys Jeep, 1971 Jeep CJ 7, 1930 Packard Sedan, 1973 Volkswagen Beetle, 1926 Packard Sedan, and a 1958 Packard Sedan TT.  Much like the 1953 Corvette, this collection will be part of the Friday auction action.

But wait…there’s more!  Carlisle Auctions welcomes back its all-truck hour on Thursday, April 20.  This popular showcase of trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs gives buyers and sellers alike a full hour of trucks of all shapes and sizes.

The auction is the most convenient way for someone to pick up their first or next classic and do so at an affordable price point.  There will be white-glove, best-of-show vehicles for sure, but there will also be show-worthy gems that can be driven and enjoyed with total confidence.  

Advanced/online bidding starts April 17 and every registered bidder is eligible to not only bring a guest to the auction but to attend Spring Carlisle as well.  Complete details on the auction are available at CarlisleAuctions.com.  Consignments are being added daily to the Carlisle Auctions web page.  Spectator admission is $13.  For auction details, call 717-960-6400.  Get involved today and don’t miss out on a chance to own your first or next classic with Carlisle Auctions! 

Car show season in Carlisle, Pennsylvania welcomes nearly 500,000 guests to the region.  Along the way, enthusiasts from all walks of life bring their positive outlook and generosity to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and into the community.  Last year, with support from multiple event guests and area Lions Club team members, $10,000 was raised and donated to the Carlisle branch of the Salvation Army to support humanitarian relief efforts in war-torn Ukraine.  For 2023, the Lions are back and this time, they’ll be fostering a cause that’s near and dear to them, their Lions International Disaster Relief program.

This year, instead of focusing on one specific country, the Lions Club returns to help those in need wherever and whenever disaster strikes around the world.  From July to December 2022, the Lions awarded 173 disaster relief-related grants, totaling more than $3.5 million around the world.  Lions Disaster Relief provides millions annually to help disaster survivors, from tornados in the heartland of America, destructive earthquakes in Turkey, hurricane and fire relief in Canada, Hurricane Ian in Florida, or in and around any of the 200+ countries where Lions Clubs exist.

Confirmed for the upcoming car show season, Lions Club team members will be stationed at select gates (location and staffing vary per event) for Spring Carlisle (April 19-23), the Carlisle Ford Nationals (June 2-4), Carlisle GM Nationals (June 23-24), Carlisle Chrysler Nationals (July 14-16), Corvettes at Carlisle (August 24-26), and Fall Carlisle (September 27-October 1). 

“Our motto is ‘We Serve’ and since 1972 when disaster strikes, Lions have served their communities springing into action,” noted Laura Highlands, Carlisle Lions Club President.  “Once again Lions Clubs throughout the area will come together to work with Carlisle Events raising money for those in need.  Every penny collected will go to Disaster Relief, supporting communities in one of the 48,000 clubs in over 200 countries around the world.” 

Showgoers can look for the Lions in their well-known yellow vest adorned with the Lions Club logo on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Spring and Fall Carlisle as well as Corvettes at Carlisle, while working Friday and Saturday of Ford, Chrysler, and truck weekend.  Warm smiles, caring hearts, and a black donation tin in hand; learn more about the Carlisle Lions and Disaster Relief at htts://e-clubhouse.org/sites/carlislepa.

Attending a car show at Carlisle isn’t just a great way to support those in need, it’s an affordable family outing.  Kids 12 and under are always admitted free at Carlisle and for details on vendor or Showfield registration, event specifics, or to purchase discounted spectator admission tickets, call 717-243-7855 or visit CarlisleEvents.com.

Guests of the annual Carlisle GM Nationals automotive event know that the National Parts Depot Showfield is populated with amazing show cars spanning decades of production.  For the 2023 event, June 23-24 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, several announced displays turn back the clock to a time when the competition was fierce among automakers.  This summer, the GM Nationals not only honors 40 years of the Pontiac Fiero, but 50 years of the Buick Regal, 120+ Years of Buick, the Malaise Era, and 4^th Gen Camaros and Firebirds too.

Building T will be ground zero for these two displays and should include at least a half dozen, if not more of each vehicle.  For the Fiero, guests can enjoy a timeline of sorts showcasing some of the best Fieros dating back to its launch for the 1984 model year.  Designed by George Milidrag and Hulki Aldikacti, over 370,000 Fieros were produced over their five-year run.  In addition to the cars, the Mid-Atlantic Fiero Owners Association hosts a variety of events, including club activities, technical how-to seminars, and more.  

For Buick Regal lovers, they too can revisit their vehicle’s glory days.  The alphabet soup of Regal bodies will ALL be honored, including those viewed as luxury vehicles as well as those with a nod to performance.  The Regal was a star on the NASCAR track, on TV, and even in the movies.  For 2023, it’ll also be a star of the GM Nationals.  Much like the Fiero, there will be additional activities, the scope of which will be announced closer to the event.  In addition to the Regal, the GM Nationals will honor the 120+ year history of Buick.  Cars will be positioned within Building T and will aim to include Buicks from different eras of production.    

Additional Featured Displays include one focused on 4^th Gen Camaros and Firebirds, a 3^rd Gen Camaro and Firebirds “show within the show” called the 3^rd Gen Nationals, and all-new, a Malaise Era display.  The “malaise era” refers to the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s and included some of GM’s often forgotten vehicles. This year at the GM Nationals, expect a cool display tent on the NPD Showfield that encompasses a lot of vehicles from the era, specifically the odd and off-the-wall stuff; stuff many car lovers have forgotten about.

Each anniversary is a Featured Display and as such, will be vetted by an application process and the event manager.  The portal for applying is open and available by way of CarlisleEvents.com and will be accepting submissions through at least May. 

Finally, Fiero, Regal, Buick, and 4^th Gen stardom isn’t limited to just Building T.  Registration for the Showfield is now open and will no doubt welcome even more of these historic masterpieces.  Apply today for consideration and if accepted, owners not only get to be front and center at the event, but promoted via social media, and within the event guide too.  Don’t have something that fits the bill for these displays, but own a car or truck that’s show-worthy?  Register online and get full details on the event, links to purchase tickets, and more.