The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals car show (July 14-16) at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds is so popular that it can organically welcome hundreds of show cars, guests, and vendors on set-up day.  Of course, less than 24 hours later, thousands of show cars, thousands more guests, and vendors officially converge on Carlisle for the biggest and best all-Mopar themed event of its type in the world.

With a car show this popular, you can’t just open the gate and go about the day as if it’s business as usual; no, there needs to be something special to get the fun going.  At this year’s event, starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 14, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals celebrate the hobby with its “Opening Ceremony with Open Headers,” plus a nod to Collector Car Appreciation Day.

Starting with the National Anthem, the ceremony welcomes the event’s featured guests to the stage, plus some of their more iconic race cars.  See the likes of Butch Leal, the Ramchargers, Golden Commandos, Herb McCandless, Paul Rossi, Linda Vaughn, Claudia, a.k.a. Ms. Direct Connection and more on the stage and hear them share a story or two from their iconic Mopar careers.  In addition, those panelists who brought their car to the stage will have a chance to fire it up, rev the engine, and remind everyone just why they are iconic drivers from the brand’s storied history.  This will also serve as a jumping-off point for the day so showgoers can best learn where to find each special guest once they disperse from the stage.

Along with the guests on the stage and the ceremony, Carlisle Events and the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals will celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day, or CCAD for short.  2023 marks the 14th time that Collector Car Appreciation Day is recognized and the first time in a few years that the national day of recognition has lined up with the Chrysler Nationals.

Intended since 2010 to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, the U.S. Congress helped launch CCAD by introducing resolutions each year at the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN's) request.  Last year, the U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 690 (S. Res. 690) and a similar resolution was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (H. Res. 1201).  Each resolution was sponsored by co-chairs of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.  These Congressional leaders have been strong advocates for the automotive culture in Washington, D.C., and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation's appreciation for the automobile's unique historical place in our history.

The “Opening Ceremony with Open Headers” and Collector Car Appreciation Day are just two great elements of this year’s car show.  In addition to the recognitions and aforementioned guests, there are special displays planned, track activities like thrill rides from Dodge, competitions, a massive 3,000+ car Showfield, sold-out automotive flea market jam-packed with vendors, a Manufacturer’s Midway, and more. 

Learn more about all that the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals has planned by calling 717-243-7855 or online at CarlisleEvents.com.  In addition, online registration for the Showfield is available through the end of the day on Sunday, July 9, with in-person registration available thereafter.  In addition, discounted spectator admission tickets are available online through the event’s conclusion on Sunday, July 16.