For the first time since 2019, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Spring Carlisle welcomed automotive enthusiasts from around the world with the return of international event attendees.  This year’s event, presented by eBay Motors, did just that and then some as guests and vendors alike flocked to Carlisle between April 20-24, 2022 to buy, sell and trade all things automotive.  Spring Carlisle was one part commerce and one part social gathering; as has been the case since 1977.  It once again served as THE event to jump-start the outdoor events season in Carlisle!

What was obvious early was the amount of vendors eager to re-connect with one another and the demand that their offerings have within the hobby.  Cruising the grounds in advance of the April 20 start date, vendors were mixing and mingling with one another, catching up, buying and selling amongst each other, and otherwise getting ready for the big event.  When the gates opened at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, their advanced planning and hard work paid off, as throngs of enthusiasts converged on Carlisle.

Car parts, merchandise, memorabilia, collectibles, and more were coming and going all day, every day.  Cars and trucks were even finding new garages to call home as business was booming in all corners of the 82-acre facility.  In 2022, there were more vendors, more tickets sold, and more people at Carlisle than there were in 2021; a year that was record-breaking for Carlisle Events. 

As noted in the opening headline, the automotive world did indeed return to Carlisle.  Canadian guests were back in full force, so were those trekking to the Cumberland Valley from “across the pond.”  Every face had a smile on it at Carlisle and the next generation of the hobby was also on-site in full force, especially on Saturday where kids were out of school and families were off work.

Speaking of kids, Spring Carlisle welcomed the York County School of Technology to the stage area as they hosted exhibition runs in front of their Hot Rodders of Tomorrow championship competition in the days following event weekend.  Multiple teams of school-aged enthusiasts tore down and re-built a Chevy small block engine.  The competition is done against the clock and per certain criteria put in place by the Hot Rodders organization.  From their first run to their last, they had a crowd cheering them on, asking questions, and taking photos of them in action.

The stage area was actually a popular spot for guests throughout Spring Carlisle.  On it were members of the AACA Car Club.  They returned to Carlisle to showcase cool cars from the club, solicit for new members, and promote their upcoming fall meet in Hershey.  While the AACA was on the stage, the ARMO Hot Products Showcase was in front of it.  ARMO brought some of the hottest NEW products on the market to the masses at Carlisle.  ARMO is a council of SEMA, which is a private industry trade event held each fall in November.  For most guests, this ARMO display gives them a first-hand/in-person look at ways to better their prized ride.

One of the best parts about Spring Carlisle 2022 was the giving nature of those who walked through the gates.  Through a joint effort between Carlisle Events, the Salvation Army, and multiple local Lions Clubs, over $3,000 was raised for Ukrainian Humanitarian relief efforts.  That total includes a company donation made by Carlisle Events, plus in person donations by those attending Spring Carlisle.  Best of all, at least two generous attendees dropped $100 in the bin.  That kind of support goes a long way to helping those in need and will continue throughout the 2022 season.

Another great element of Spring Carlisle was the two-day classic and collector car auction hosted by Carlisle Auctions (more soon).  The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction tallied $6.5 million in sales (including fees) and can boast a 72% sell-through rate.  The auction even had its own charitable venture, with several thousand dollars raised for veterans at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

While Spring Carlisle is a wrap for 2022, Carlisle Events sets its sights on the next event, plus next year’s spring show.  Up next at the fairgrounds is the annual international showcase of cars and trucks as part of the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals (May 13-14).  As Spring Carlisle 2023 goes, the event is planned for April 19-23, with the auction happening April 20-21.  Complete details on all things car show related, including the ability to buy spectator tickets in advance at a discounted rate can be found at CarlisleEvents.com.

There is undeniable turmoil currently playing out in the Eastern European country of Ukraine.  Since February, its people have been under attack from the Russian military.  As survivors flee, many have been left in need of support in ways that most will never comprehend.  In a simultaneous act, the war rages on, while a large-scale international humanitarian effort plays out.  Carlisle Events is teaming with the Carlisle Area Lions Clubs and the Carlisle Salvation Army to receive donations that can ultimately help those in need.

Beginning with Spring Carlisle (April 20-24) and running through Fall Carlisle (September 28-October 2), the Salvation Army will be on grounds, ringing their familiar bell, and taking donations.  According to Captain Ozzie Urbaez, their on-site donations will go towards Ukrainian relief efforts, while also raising awareness for their local causes too.  Their location per event varies, but their mission remains the same; to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet the human needs in his name without discrimination.  In addition to their standard monetary donations, they’ll also have a donation bin set up where that support will benefit Ukrainian refugees. 

“We at The Salvation Army are honored to partner with Carlisle Events to help the people of Ukraine who have been heavily affected this year,” added Captain Baez.  “Our partnership with Carlisle Events dates back to more than 20 years and their support to the people we serve in Carlisle is invaluable.  On behalf of The Salvation Army we thank you for your generosity in helping our friends from Ukraine who are in desperate need of our help this year.”

In addition to the Salvation Army’s on-grounds presence, local Lions Clubs will come together to greet guests as they enter the venue to solicit donations for the Ukrainian relief effort.  These Lions Clubs include Carlisle, Boiling Springs, Mt. Holly, Plainfield, Newville, Shippensburg, and Jacksonville (Walnut Bottom).  Just as the bell and look from the Salvation Army will be unmistakable, so will the vests and branding of the Lions Club members. 

“Our motto is ‘we serve’ and when Carlisle Events called us to ask about supporting this cause, we were eager to spring into action,” noted Raymond Highlands, Carlisle Lions Club President.  “In addition to Lions from our Carlisle club, we are thankful for the help and support of area Lions Clubs too.  I can’t thank them enough as we pull together to help those in need.”

This venture is one that was discussed for weeks within the Carlisle Events offices, but ultimately got going following an e-mail from co-owner and co-founder Bill Miller, Jr.  Recognizing our long-time partnership with the Salvation Army and having formerly served on their board, a conversation was started that pays off with the Salvation Army, Lions Clubs, and Carlisle Events partnering to continue supporting those in need, locally and abroad.

“Our team at Carlisle Events stand with the people of Ukraine,” said Miller.  “Our hearts are heavy with the devastation they are enduring and we want to help in any way we can,” continued Miller.  “Carlisle Events has teamed up with the Salvation Army to send as much as we can to ease the suffering on all the people of Ukraine. Give with your hearts with whatever you can and we will make sure every penny will get to the people.”

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.

Some of the top automotive businesses in the hobby have attached themselves to various elements of the car shows in Carlisle, Pennsylvania for good reason.  The car shows at Carlisle attract nearly half a million guests annually and are some of the largest of their type in the world.  With a built-in customer base and a storied history of success, Carlisle Events is pleased to announce that eBay Motors and the PA Turnpike (E-ZPass) are the newest business partners that car show guests can interact with and learn more about in 2022 and beyond.

The eBay Motors brand is no stranger to guests at Carlisle, as it was introduced to Carlisle enthusiasts as an Official Partner two decades ago. With their sponsorship of Spring Carlisle (April 20-24) continuing this season, eBay Motors will also join Carlisle Events as the presenting sponsor of the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals (May 13-14) and Corvettes at Carlisle (August 25-27).  Each of the new partnerships offer unique opportunities for eBay Motors to share its platform as one of the largest online marketplaces for automotive parts, products, and items. 

In addition to eBay Motors, the PATurnpike is coming on board as the sponsor for Carlisle Events’ Gate-N-Go (GNG) program.  GNG is a pre-registration option that allows for a 10% savings to those who pre-register at least 45 days in advance of an event.  More than a financial perk, GNG offers time savings and better ease of access, much like the PA Turnpike’s E-ZPass option.  Those who take advantage of Gate-n-Go and E-ZPass from the PA Turnpike can save on Carlisle Showfield registrations and travel to Carlisle by way of the PA Turnpike (I-76).   

The partnership with the PA Turnpike is also fitting, as a portion of the highway parallels the northern part of the fairgrounds.  In fact, the original stretch of turnpike opened in 1940 and terminated in Carlisle.  Today, the highway spans the entirety of Pennsylvania with two exits in close proximity of Carlisle: one near Shippensburg about 30 miles west and the other in Middlesex Township (Carlisle), about 2 miles to the east.

“We’re excited to continue our relationship with eBay Motors to bring car show participants and attendees world class automotive events,” said Ed Scholly, Director of Business and Event Development.  “They’ve been a great partner of Carlisle over the years, participating on many levels for a long time,” continued Scholly.  “The PA Turnpike has enabled thousands upon thousands of show cars, vendors, and attendees easy highway access to events at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. We hope that you can take advantage of the connections to eBay and the savings with E-ZPass on your visits to Carlisle.”  

Car show season starts on April 20 in Carlisle with Spring Carlisle presented by eBay Motors and concludes on October 2 as part of Fall Carlisle (September 28-October 2).  In between, six more events will draw car enthusiasts and families from around the world to browse, buy, and socialize.  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.

After a red, white, and blue kaboom at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds celebrating the 4^th of July, the grounds transitions to another type of earth-shaking thunder; the roar of some of the coolest and most historically significant Mopars ever built.  The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and its passionate flock of showgoers converge on Carlisle July 15-17 for an event that is just as much of a car show and automotive flea market as it is a family and social reunion.

The calendar may note three days for the car show and parts shopping extravaganza, but with a touch of mid-summer weather, the event becomes four days of fun with early load-ins and the annual Mopar Rebellion Car Club kick-off party at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center on July 14.

With everyone primed for the biggest and best show of its type in the world, gates open at 7 a.m. on the 15^th and from there, it’s non-stop action.  Not only will there be special displays (noted below) that are guaranteed to draw a crowd, Carlisle welcomes special guests, too.  These gusts include legendary racers like Paul Rossi, the Ramchargers, Golden Commandos, and Herb McCandless, while also making way for “as seen on TV” car experts.

The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals doesn’t just welcome legendary people associated with Mopar, it also celebrates the history of some iconic rides with special displays.  Planned displays for 2022 include the following:

1) Mopar Collectibles Display                 2) Mopars with a Family Connection
3) Plymouth Prowler 25th Display           4) 1972 Mopar 50th Anniversary Display
5) 1970 Charger 50th Anniversary Display (because 2020 was mean)

The Mopars with a Family Connection display is all-new and comes with a plethora of built-in feel-good opportunities.  There is no black and white to this display either, as the grey in it allows for any and all family ties within reason.  Another feature, the Mopar Collectibles Display, isn’t about the cars at all. Rather, this will be a building of Mopar-related items like bicycles, go-karts, Sno Runners, driving simulators, and more.

Something else we’re doing this year that’s totally new is the “State of the Hobby” address live at the stage. We’ve gathered some of the biggest names in the Mopar hobby from builders and restorers to business owners and collectors. The address will conclude with some incredible Mopar unveilings of all genres of the hobby.

In addition to new show elements, many great standards return, too.  This includes the Mopar Survivor display, Real Street Shootout (autocross), rolling exhaust contest, largest and coolest club contests, the Young Guns Showfield (25 and under), and of course the biggest and best all-Mopar themed automotive flea market.

The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is actively taking registrations for the Showfield, vendor registrations for the automotive flea market, and selling discounted spectator tickets in advance of the July 15-17 offering.  Please note, vending space is LIMITED at this time due to demand.  Learn more about the competitions, special displays, and get involved today by calling 717-243-7855 or online at CarlisleEvents.com.

One of the best parts about the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals car show presented by eBay Motors annually is the eclectic mix of past, present, and future classics that pop up on the Showfield.  This year’s event is May 13-14 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and JUST announced, guests can see for the first time, a car that’s sure to be in high demand in the coming months.

As part of this year’s East Coast Z Nationals, a show within the show, guests can get their first up close look at the stylish and sleek 2023 Nissan Z.  This will be THE first time that the 2023 Nissan Z is appearing at an enthusiast event in the northeast region.  For a car that was officially unveiled last summer and is highly sought after by its fan base, the chance to see it in person and up close has been sparse.  It’s all happening at Carlisle within Building Y and the aforementioned East Coast Z Nationals.

The Seiran Blue Nissan Z will be flanked by nearly a dozen classic and modified Zs and just outside of Building Y will be 50-100 more, plus Skylines and GTRs too.  In addition to the Seiran Blue color, the 2023 Z comes with blue-trimmed interior and a manual transmission.  Art imitates life, too, as a blue Nissan Z just like it adorns this year’s event t-shirts, commemorative pint glasses, decals, and more.

“I grew up with an older brother who collects, restores and races Z cars and I’ve owned and built a couple of them myself,” said event manager Ed Buczeskie.  “This is huge to have the ALL-NEW 2023 Nissan Z coming to Carlisle for its first enthusiast event in the northeast.”

In addition to the 2023 Nissan Z, guests coming to the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals can see cars and trucks from around the world, some of which they’ve never seen before.  This international automotive showcase also offers a passport program with checkpoints, further encouraging guests to “travel the world,” all while getting their booklet stamped, with some prizes available at the end of their journey. 

Unique displays include the Z, the BMW, 30 years of the Subaru Impreza, a French display spotlighting the collective works of Robert Opron, and more.  There’s family fun, including dune buggies on display, valve cover races, on grounds parades, and track activities.  Best of all, kids 12 and under are admitted FREE!

To learn more about the 2022 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, register to be part of the Showfield, sell within the automotive flea market, or purchase discounted spectator tickets, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.