Pre-Register before the Gate-N-Go deadline of Monday, May 4 to save 10%! Why wait in line and lose time that you could be spending on grounds enjoying the event? Register today via Gate-N-Go to save 10%. 

When you Gate-N-Go, we'll send you all applicable paperwork in advance. This way, you can affix your window sticker at home and drive right onto the grounds and immediately begin having a great time.

Even if you miss the 10% savings and Gate-N-Go deadline, you can still pre-register. Pre-registration remains available until show week. When you pre-register, you cruise up to the Showfield Registration office, bypass one line, pick up your packet and return to your car. Place the registration on your window and you and your guest can cruise onsite with minimal delay.

After the May 4th Gate-N-Go Deadline is up, the only price for registration is full price. Why pay full price when you pay a discounted rate AND have your materials mailed to you in advance. Register TODAY and save! 

Register online at The Carlisle Registration Store or by calling in to the office at 717-243-7855. 

Maybe you couldn't make it to this year's event, or you'd just like to relive it again. Either way, the following will help you do so. We can't wait to see you back here next year!

1. Take the Post Event Survey
2. Ford Nationals 2019 Winner's List
3. Ford Nationals 2019 Event Guide & Event Map (Including a full list of Midway & Automotive Flea Market Vendors)
4. See all our event pictures in the Photo Gallery
5. 2019 Ford Nationals T-Shirts are still available. Order it online at The Carlisle Store
6. Couldn't pick up your award? Order it online at the Carlisle Registration Store

For decades, buying a ticket to a car show at Carlisle meant arriving the day of, pulling out your wallet and paying cash at the gate. While that will still be an option, now available for everyone and for all shows, online ticketing! Visit the link below to purchase an event ticket or a weekend pass. When you do, you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail with a bar code. This code will be scanned at the gate for access.  It’s that simple! You can also register for any event online too. Tickets are cheaper online and that means the money you save can be used in the automotive flea market or can help you buy a car within the car corral.  Applicable links are below. Buy now with total confidence and enjoy the show!  Applicable links are below.  Buy now with total confidence and enjoy the show!  

Buy Day or Weekend Passes 

Buy Season Passes

Annually, thousands enjoy industry led “walk-arounds” by Ford’s specialists at the stage. These minds behind the machines take attendees in depth with stories behind the development of the newest and exciting Ford products. The Product Developers are also on hand following their presentations to answer questions.

Ford Motor Company

Annually, the Carlisle Ford Nationals host a display dubbed the Ford Nationals Select. Launched in 2015, this display is positioned within Building Y and features 12-14 cars that are unique to the history of the Ford Brand. Each car will be numbered and receive a commemorative plaque to mark their inclusion in the display. In addition, banners will hang from the rafters akin to what sports teams do, logging the history of the Ford Nationals Select.
  
The Featured Vehicle Application Form will be coming soon!

Own one of 750 die-cast Boss Mustang collectible cars. This Trans Am Boss livery mixes the ’69 and ’70 Trans Am liveries. It has a cool “ready to race at the track” look and magnesium racing wheels. In addition, it has a commemorative decals/graphics affixed too. Carlisle Events has worked with the die-cast gurus at M2 Machines to have these unique pieces produced. Adorned on the top is the official Carlisle Ford Nationals BOSS Anniversary logo. In addition, it features the show name and some unique likenesses featured throughout. These are officially licensed by Ford and these are a must for die-cast collectors worldwide. 

These 1:64 scale collectible keepsakes are VERY LIMITED and are available at a $24.99 price point on the Carlisle Overstock eBay Store!

Show your friends and family what being at the Carlisle Ford Nationals is all about and get rewarded! Check out the various displays at the event and find the Social Stop signs. At the sign take a photo or video of the anniversary display or activity and share it on social media. Check in at the Carlisle Ford Nationals on social media and use hashtag #FordCarlisle to share your experience. Once posted, stop in at the Guest Services "Social Desk" and show us your post! Once we see your post we will hand you the Special Anniversary sticker for that display. Limit one anniversary sticker per display per person per day.

Show your friends what being at the Carlisle Ford Nationals is all about!

Born and raised in Philadelphia and on his own since the age of 15 due to multiple family events, Al had to learn how to survive while continuing to go to school.  His love with cars started with his first job, working at a gas station.  From there, he was hooked! When he got his license at 16, he bought his first car for $25. Broken down, Al learned how to fix it via the school of hard knocks.  Fast forward a few years and he took a job at a new car dealership, It was at the dealership where he continued to pursue his passion, racing cars.  With a dealership sponsored ride, his winning ways were noticed by Ford Motor Company and he was selected as 1 out of 8 individuals in the nation to become fully sponsored by them.

During this time Al won multiple national championships and set records for Ford, all while continuing to get full factory support from Ford. Through these years he gained a wealth of experience by working with the top Ford engineers and innovative aftermarket equipment manufacturers in industry standards and practices of engine development and dynamometer testing. 

Join Al Joniec in June to celebrate the 50th Birthday of the Boss!  Al will be joined by author Charlie Morris inside Building T along with a slew of Boss cars both old and new including his original 1969 Boss 429 Mustang Drag Car.  Autograph sessions will be located in Building T and times are as follows:

Buy Your Single Day/Weekend Passes Today
Register for the NPD Showfield Today
 

Join Ford Drag Racer Al Joniec and Author Charlie Morris as they explore what it was really like to live through the golden years of racing.  This seminar, based on Charlie’s book, chronicles Al’s days as a dealer sponsored-racer, a member of the Ford Drag Team and his impressive exploits.  Come along on the journey as they talk about Cobra-Jet and Boss history in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  After the seminar there will be a book signing.

Seminars times at this point are TBA.

Buy Your Single Day/Weekend Passes Today
Al Joniec Comes to Carlisle - Learn More
Charlie Morris Comes to Carlisle - Learn More

With such an important Ford themed weekend, it’s only natural that important Ford themed people come to Carlisle to celebrate.  Be at the event to meet Mustang aficionado Donald Farr.  Farr knows all things Mustang and he’s an author too.  Meet Farr and pick up a copy of his new book, “Boss Mustang 50 Years.”  Farr is a former editor at Mustang Monthly and not only will he be selling copies of his book, he’ll be signing them too.  All of this happenings within Building T as part of the Boss 50th display.  Further, Farr will host a special seminar called “Boss Mustang 50 Years” on Saturday too.

Buy Your Single Day/Weekend Passes Today
Pre-Order Your Boss Mustang 50 Years Book Today

Ford loves talking with you, the enthusiast, and they want to connect with you in person!  John Clor, Ford Performance’s Enthusiast Communications Manager joins us for this year’s Ford Nationals event weekend!  Throughout the weekend John will be connecting with you and your club to share the latest news from Dearborn!  John will also be hosting a Club Leader Meet and Greet on Friday Afternoon in our Seminar Tent and be presenting on the topic of Ford Clubs in the Future on Saturday in the Seminar Tent.  Both of these will cover how Ford can help your club as well as give you the enthusiast a direct connection to Ford.  The meet and greet and the seminar will also hit on Ford’s all-new Ford Club Connect program, a way for your club to get your word out! 

Register for the NPD Showfield Today
Visit Ford Performance Online
Visit Ford Club Connect Online

 

The Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar's honors 50-years of the iconic Summer of ’69; an era where many social happenings crushed the evening news headlines and dominated pop culture.  For 2019, Ford weekend welcomes another crushing piece of automotive pop culture history; the all-Ford powered Virginia Giant monster ride truck.

Prepare yourself for the ride of a lifetime via this car-crushing, heart-pounding monster!  Climb aboard the Virginia Giant ride truck for a white-knuckle ride that will have you on the edge of your seat as you crush cars near the autocross track at Carlisle Fairgrounds.  Based off a '92-'96 F-Series Ford body, the Virginia Giant adds to the excitement show and is suitable family for guests of all ages.  Rides take place Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Please note, a nominal fee applies per person per ride AND no actual Fords will be crushed in the execution of this activity.  

Virginia Giant on the Web

Whether it’s for bragging rights, showing your ride to the Blue Oval faithful, or a photo for your display, the Carlisle Events Award Parade is a must-do for winners and spectators alike. Professional photography is available at the parade ceremony and available on-site for purchase. Awards are presented Sunday at 11:00 AM during the Awards Parade in front of the stage.

If you cannot attend the parade, your award can be picked up Sunday between 9:00-11:00 AM. Carlisle Events will no longer provide shipping of awards at no cost. After the show you may pick up your award during regular business hours at the fairgrounds or we will ship awards for $15 each. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope you will join us on Sunday in celebrating the vehicles that are honored as winners.

Order your award online at the Carlisle Registration Store.

In addition to the competition among the cars on the Ford Nationals NPD Showfield, there is a battle between clubs to see who has the most cars registered. As a bonus, we offer the use of a 20’ X 20’ tent to those clubs who register 25 vehicles or more. These tents are a great place to take a break and they make a great club headquarters for the weekend. Larger clubs may be eligible for a bigger tent.

Your club tent deadline is April 15. 

Contact us for details and congratulations to our 2019 winners!

2019 Club Challenge Results
1 - Focus Rising ‐ 195
2 - Venom Invasion - 140
3 - Red Mustang Registry ‐ 129

Register Your Club Today

The Coolest Club award is based on the premise of your club tent being THE PLACE to be. Plan your theme and your decorations well for the show because there are a host of clubs vying for the honor.

At the 2019 Ford Nationals, the Coolest Club Hangout was sponsored by the Ford Performance Group and the winner was chosen by John Clor.

Your club tent deadline is April 15.  

2019 Coolest Club Winner
Venom Invasion

Imagine a sea of yellow Mustangs, Black or Red Mustangs all lined up along multiple rows on on the Ford Nationals NPD Showfield! These registries are back and better than ever! If you have a Yellow, Black or Red Mustang and want to be part of the fun, or just want to see the cars at Carlisle, be sure to get involved!

Pre-Register and Save!

“Young Guns at Carlisle” is a class limited to owners age 25 and younger, male or female. The class is open to all makes & models of FOMOCO produced vehicles. Entrants must be the registered owner of the vehicle. All “Young Guns” are located together in an area reserved exclusively for them on the National Parts Depot Showfield. Judging is done via People’s Choice, just like the other classes and it is a great way for younger people in the hobby to meet and show off what they are doing with their cars. Ultimately, this class is designed for the heirs of the hobby to strut their stuff!

Be sure to register now for the event for this very special class of show cars!

Register Now

Carlisle Events and the Downtown Carlisle Association present the annual and always popular Ford Parade and Downtown Street Party on Saturday, June 6, 2020.

Automotive enthusiasts, specifically those interested in the FOMOCO brands, will line the streets of downtown Carlisle to see a wide array of cars showcased during the Carlisle Ford Nationals. The parade field is limited to only 400 Ford, Lincoln and/or Mercury vehicles.

The parade will once again be led by a select group of Ford officials showing off some of their hot new products! One of these special Ford guests will be the legendary Chuck Cantwell. Cantwell is an original GT500 engineer from the '60s and he'll join Ford Performance in the first-ever produced modern Shelby GT350R.

In addition to the parade, spectators will enjoy specialty vehicles, a wide variety of food, fanfare and quality live entertainment.

Please note, you must be registered for the Carlisle Ford Nationals to be eligible for the parade. Don't miss out on this great Saturday night attraction. All vehicles must be staged by 6:30 p.m. for departure.

The cost to be in the parade is $25.

Day of Show/Onsite Registration:
• Thursday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (based on availability)
• Fee includes goody bag with T-shirt & special parade dash plaque (while supplies last)

Please note: all vehicles must be staged prior to 6:30 p.m. for departure.

This year, be sure to participate in the Autocross Real Street Shootout, taking place Friday of event weekend. It will begin with registration at 5 p.m. followed by a driver's meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, a team of judges will evaluate each car for appearance and build quality. After all of the cars have been judged, they will go through a tech inspection and at 7 p.m., as the sun goes down, the lights come on and the cars will compete on the track under the lights.

This FREE activity is being supported by Gateway Classic Mustang and registration takes place onsite at 5 p.m. It's fast, it's furious and it's fun!

If you think you and your car have what it takes to compete in the shootout, you must complete the form linked below and submit it to event manager Ken Appell or 717-243-7855 ext. 116 to apply.

Congratulations to our top three in 2019.

1 - Chad Englert - 2013 Ford Mustang
2 - Mark Hetrick - 2000 Ford SVT Contour
3 - James Gorgy 2017 Ford Focus

Register Now - Submit to Compete

Carlisle Events is pleased to welcome back to the Carlisle Ford Nationals Gateway Mustang of Missouri to the Carlisle Ford Nationals. Gateway is sponsoring the autocross track and it will be known all weekend as the Gateway Classic Mustang Autocross Track. Best of all, Gateway Classic Mustang will host FREE ridealong sessions between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call it autocross 101, because with Gateway's professional drivers behind the wheel, you can experience first-hand what going fast is all about! Further, while you're at the track, be sure to sign up to receive the latest information from Gateway Classic Mustang via their e-news service.

The only thing better than a show-ready Ford is a show-ready Ford on the race track! The onsite Carlisle Autocross allows drivers to run the road course and compare their times to each other. Registration is required and the fun takes place Sunday only. The charge for each vehicle entry is $20. Enthusiasts are able to make 3 timed runs consisting of 2 laps each. Times are provided to compare with other drivers. Drivers are required to have a legal state driver’s license. You aren't driving for an award, rather bragging rights are up for grabs.

Hosted by the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club

If you're not exhausted when you leave the Carlisle Ford Nationals, it's your own fault!  A&A Auto Stores, the Official Performance Parts Installer of Carlisle Events, will be offering performance exhaust installations from the top manufactures. Don’t miss this opportunity to GET EXHAUSTED at Carlisle!

Call Lewis today to schedule your appointment and make your Ford sound great! Reach out now via phone at 570-313-0325 or by e-mail at customercare@aaautostores.com


If you missed A&A at the show, be sure to visit them ONLINE today for more information about their products, locations and more! 

VMP Performance has been in the Ford performance market for over 10 years. VMP was started by Justin Starkey in 1999 when he bought his first Mustang. VMP Performance has grown to include many different parts and accessories. VMP's main focus is EFI tuning, both mail-order tuning and dyno-tuning. VMP uses the most up to date SCT, HP Tuners and COBB software / hardware and the highest quality equipment on their mobile dyno to provide you with the best possible tune. VMP has nearly $100,000 invested in our dyno-tuning operation, between dyno equipment, computers, and software. VMP has mail order tuned over 1000 vehicles and dynotuned over 1000 vehicles on our Mobile Dyno-Jet 224x Mobile Dyno. Justin Starkey, VMP's tuner and owner, worked at SCT for nearly a year as part of the technical support staff. He still enjoys a close relationship with SCT. Justin's extensive knowledge base and industry contacts, coupled with many thousands of hours of research and development on our dyno allows us to give you the best possible mail order and dyno tunes. VMP specializes in custom tuning for the Ford family of vehicles. They custom tune all OBD2 Ford vehicles. Get your Ford tuned at this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals.


Visit VMP Performance online today!

The Ford Nationals Automotive Flea Market is the perfect opportunity to sell the parts and accessories that have been collecting dust in your garage. The automotive flea market is also the place for the parts you need to finish a job. Parts, automotive memorabilia, and literature –you’ll find it all in the Ford Nationals Automotive Flea Market. 

Book Online to Reserve Your Space Today

For more information, please contact us at 717-243-7855 or email info@carlisleevents.com.

Learn more about vending at Carlisle Events

Over 250 Ford cars and trucks are annually available for sale in the Ford Nationals Car Corral. The best part about the car corral is that you can meet with the seller, drive the vehicle, negotiate your own price and see and touch the car in person. Services including notary, financing, insurance and temporary tags are available right in the car corral.

We will even promote your car corral space and vehicle you're selling via our Social Media Showroom.

For more information or to purchase a car corral space, please contact us at (717) 243-7855 or email info@carlisleevents.com.

Reserve Your Car Corral Space Today

Vendors are the back bone of all of our events and because of that, we want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for the buck. As such, we’ve implemented a few ways for you to save and benefit. New vendors or existing ones may qualify for the following:

• Early bird renewal discount of 5%
• Multi-show discounts up to 10%
• Free space opportunities; buy 2 get 1 free or…
• Buy 1 space, get 1 free
• Free specialty listing

For clear cut results in selling your merchandise, selling your car/cars or highlighted exposure for your company’s manufactured parts and/or accessories connect with Carlisle Events today to see if you qualify. Your shortcut to possible increased earnings at Carlisle Events is one click away.  Secure your space online today via the link below or contact Tim DeMark via e-mail or by phone at 717-243-7855 ext. 198 to learn more.

Order My Space Today

Do you want to let thousands of enthusiasts know what you are selling in your car corral space at Ford Nationals?  If you’ve purchased a car corral spot, we’ve got a cool opportunity for you.  We're offering you additional FREE exposure via our Ford Nationals Facebook page to promote your presence.

The process is simple but does come with a few rules. 

1. E-mail no more than four (4) photos of your car to SocialShowroom@CarlisleEvents.com. Include in your email your name, vendor number, show or shows that you’ve bought car corral space for, your car corral space number and the important details about your Ford that you’re trying to sell. If you aren’t sure of your car corral number, we’ll look it up for you. This way, when we post the photos, we can encourage guests to visit your space during the event.

2. Once we’ve confirmed everything matches up, we’ll post your photos. Photos will be posted once, within a 14 day window prior to the show and only one post per registered space. That means if you own one car corral spot, you can share one set of photos. If you have secured two car corral spots, you can share two sets of photos, and so on. Again, you MUST be a registered car corral participant to take advantage of this offer and photos will be posted only on the Ford Nationals Facebook Page. 

Thank you for your support and good luck selling your Ford!

E-Mail Your Photos Today
Register today for the Car Corral

No Carlisle event would be complete without the burnout contest. Competitors battle for bragging rights and the title of “Carlisle King (or Queen) of the Hill.” Pre-registration for the burnout contest is required at Guest Services. A show sticker (i.e. registered for vending or show vehicle), driver’s license and proof of insurance are required.

The contest is limited to 10 vehicles with each getting 3 minutes to burnout. Burnouts are open to all registered vehicles that are part of the National Parts Depot Showfield.


Congratulations to our 2019 winner, Nick Szczerba and his 1979 Ford F250.

Gather around the stage and support the field of young ladies as they compete for cash and the crown of Ms. Carlisle. Registration is available Friday and Saturday leading up to the contest by stopping by Guest Services, near the main grandstand. The winner will also get to show off her crown as part of the Downtown Carlisle Parade immediately following the evening stage activities. All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Prize money is $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place.

Congratulations to our top three in 2019:

Ms. Carlisle Ford Nationals:
1 - Emily B.
2 - Amanda K.
3 - JoJo

There are lots of classics onsite during event weekend but only one will win a special award from the Historic Vehicle Association, or HVA. Once again this year, the HVA recognizes the importance of event weekend and those who take part in it. Their 'National Automotive Heritage Award' is a movement designed to collect, preserve and share stories that celebrate the automobile’s historic impact on modern culture and the lives of everyday people. The movement aims to show the automobile's significance to the American experience through member-submitted stories and photographs, as well as curated films and personal documentaries.

Congratulations to the 2019 winner(s), Chase VanDyne and his 1970 Mustang Boss 302.


Historic Vehicle Association
National Automotive Heritage Award

Auctions are the hottest trend in the market today and our experts will provide you with the knowledge you need to buy or sell your Ford at auction.  Learn everything you need to know about bidding and consigning from Tony Cline, Carlisle Auctions Director of Operations.  It all happens Friday at 12 p.m. in the Seminar Tent.  Don't miss out!
 

The ladies have been asking for it and with the help of some new friends, your 2019 Women’s Oasis can deliver!  The 2019 Women’s Oasis would like to welcome Shears Cosmetology School.  Please stop by and visit this wonderful group as they treat our guests to a FREE manicure and/or pedicure throughout the show weekend! There is nothing like feeling pampered, and Shears Cosmetology will do just that. 

Carlisle Events hasn’t forgotten that sometimes it’s nice to take a break from automotive shopping.  Join our amazing vendors and artisans selling items such as handmade crafts, jewelry and accessories, kitchen must-haves, unique clothing, treats to temp you, scents to relax you, beauty products and so much more!  Done shopping?  2019 welcomes Shears Cosmetology to our mix and invites you to enjoy a FREE manicure or pedicure!  Yes…FREE!   The tent is also home to some incredibly, and often tasty, seminars and special services offered by the vendors.  And best of all…it’s always 5:00 at the Oasis Tiki bar! 

The weekend schedule is featured in the event directory as is the exact location for the Oasis. If you're a regular at Carlisle, be sure to check the map, as Oasis locations may vary based on event.

 

Ford Nationals weekend is fun for the entire family and we haven’t forgotten about our next generation! In the Kids at Carlisle Activity Area, we give the kids a chance to be a kid! Draw on a real car, design their own poster or make their very own Kids at Carlisle Tee Shirt! If crafts aren’t their thing, spend some time on the play equipment. Don’t worry mom and dad…there are plenty of chairs to take a break and let the kids have some fun!

Come on in and check it out!

Activity Center Hours:
Friday: 12PM- 5PM
Saturday: 9AM- 5PM
Sunday: CLOSED

David Snyder returns to Carlisle to feature his display of automotive art featuring products produced by FOMOCO. David displays his portfolio of automotive art work in Building T. Attendees can stop by to meet Dave and his wife. Plus, you'll witness first hand, as Dave demonstrates his artistic ability as he works on new paintings.

David Snyder Car Art Online

Carlisle Events promotes multiple events annually and many of them have a footprint to host you and your camper, RV or tent. Rates vary by event, but if you’re a collector car enthusiast and enjoy spending your non-show hours in something other than a hotel, consider camping at Carlisle. You’ll be positioned conveniently close to the excitement of the day. All camping is dry camping – no hook ups. With paid admission campers do have 24 hour access to the bath houses located at the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Ultimately, prices, availability and amenities vary per show. For the Carlisle Ford Nationals, camping is located off-site in the Clay Street parking area. The best way to find out complete details per show is to call Carlisle Events at 717-243-7855.

Camping Information

Did you miss getting the 2019 Carlisle Ford Nationals Event T-Shirt? Don't stress out, Green Mountain Monogram has you covered! Visit their Carlisle Store Online and you can chose to have it mailed directly to you. Stay tuned for 2020 Shirts coming in the near future!

Did you see a special display banner that caught your eye and you’d like to own it as a memory of the show or as a new piece of flair for your garage or man cave? Special display banners and license plates from prior years are for sale while supplies last via our eBay overstock store. Prices vary, but what remains is currently available. Browse the selection and own your banner today!

Visit the Carlisle Overstock store.

Have you ever walked the grounds at Carlisle, lost beyond belief and wondering where your favorite show cars are, or how to find that vendor you’re looking for? Carlisle Events has figured out a way to solve your navigational challenges via the Carlisle Events app. Available for FREE download on the iTunes store AND Google Play store, the app is your on the go tool kit for all things Carlisle Events! Find vendors, check out the event schedule, interact on social media, buy tickets, get directions and review the event guide! Know before you go and with this app, you’ll never be lost at your car show of choice again! 

Download the Carlisle Events App (Apple Devices)
Download the Carlisle Events App (Android Devices)

Also available, the Carlisle Auctions app. This app allows you to stay current with Carlisle Auctions! View consignments, search for cars and get the details on all the great vehicles being offered at Carlisle Auctions. Plus, during live auction hours, you can review the run list and even watch a LIVE web stream of the fun. Download the Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions apps today and we’ll see you at the show!

Download the Carlisle Auctions App (Apple Devices)

Enjoy the final moments and aspects of what surely was an amazing event weekend.  Gates open at 7AM to start shopping for last minute deals from remaining vendors. 

Activities begin at 9AM with the posting of showfield award winners. Event winners will have the opportunity to participate in the winners parade! Showing off there big win!

Sunday at Carlisle offers FREE parking in any Carlisle operated parking lot as well as reduced ticket prices. 

Sunday's will operate as follows:
Gates Open at 7AM
Buildings T, Y & Z Open at 7AM
Guest Services Opens at 9AM
Vendor Services Opens at 8AM

Buy Your Tickets Today

The Carlisle PA Fairgrounds is a large footprint that can be a challenge at times, even for the most experienced attendee.  82 acres, 16+ miles of paved roadway, vendors and cars everywhere…it’s easy to understand how you may start wondering to yourself “where did I see that part or car I want to buy?”  “How do I get my purchase from its space to my truck?”  “How am I going to do this?” 

Never fear, because we’ve compiled a helpful list of ways that enhance your on-site experience at Carlisle!  Thanks for joining us and enjoy your time at the show!

1. BRING CASH - The more the better. It’s hard to negotiate a deal without being able to pay.
2. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES - It’s a lot of walking.
3. SUN BLOCK/DRINK LIQUIDS - You’ll be in the sun all day. It’s important to protect yourself and stay hydrated, especially if your weekend outdoors is your first prolonged exposure to the sun for the year.
4. REMEMBER THE SPACE - Take a picture of the space location or write it down. Every space at Carlisle has a disk to designate the space.  Look down and you’ll see the space marker.  Write down the letter and number.  Don’t try to remember the space or the surrounding area. You’ll spend the rest of the day looking for it.
5. COME EARLY - Rare parts and great deals typically happen for the first person to find them. Set up day(s) and the first day of the event are for the serious shoppers.
6. ACT FAST - If you see a great deal, grab it. If you plan to come back later, it will probably be gone.
7. NEGOTIATE - It’s a flea market so don’t be afraid to make a REASONABLE offer.
8. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED - Chances are good that you will find something you weren’t planning to find, so keep your eyes open.
9. LOOK EVERYWHERE - Even if you are looking for parts for your brand of vehicle, don’t walk past the vendor selling parts for other models or generations just because you assume there’s no way the vendor has what you want.  Give their space a look too.  They might not only have it, it may be cheap since it’s not what they typically sell.
10. USE THE CARLISLE EVENTS APP - Use the FREE Carlisle Events app to easily find your way back to a vendor (if you know the row and space).  You can also use it to check activity schedules, register for other events, connect with fellow enthusiasts via social media, browse a digital copy of the event guide and more.
11. STAY LATE – There are always deals at Carlisle, but sometimes the best ones happen early on day 1 of a show, or late on its final day.Vendors are typically more willing to negotiate when they are packing up – especially large items.
12. BRING A SHOPPING LIST - Our memories aren’t as good as we think. Write it down. You can even make a list on your phone. Take pictures of what you need.
13. BRING A BAG, CART, ETC. - Parts will get heavy so have a way to carry your purchases. Ask the seller if you can leave heavy parts until later.
14. HAVE IT HAULED - Carlisle Events offers FREE* parts hauling. Keep that in mind if you’re looking at an engine, transmission, truck bed, etc.
15. FREE TAXI SERVICE – Need to get from point A to point B but don’t feel like walking it?  Carlisle Events offers a FREE* taxi service.  Dial 717-960-6429 to secure a ride. 
16. ASK! - If someone has parts for a vehicle but not the ones you need, ask if the seller has it. It might still be in his truck or at home. Even if he doesn’t, he might know someone who does.
17. KNOW THE VALUE - Do some homework on the parts you’re looking for so you know if the price is a good deal.
18. AVOID THE CROWDS - When you arrive, go to an out-of-the-way area to start rather than following the herd.
19. WALK IT ALL - Don’t miss any rows. The Carlisle Fairgrounds isn’t a perfect grid so make sure you hit every row and space.
20. ADVERTISE - Wear a hat, shirt or signboard that spotlights what you’re looking for.  It just might create a conversation, especially if what you’re searching for is obscure and/or rare. 

*While parts hauling and taxi service are free, donations are graciously accepted.  Donated money goes directly to the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation. 

 

A non-denominational worship service is held at 9AM Sunday morning. 

We welcome you to join us for the service led by the Salvation Army and our partners-in-faith. Coffee and donuts available. Check the event guide for the worship service location. 

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! We hope to see you there.