A new year brings a new season worth of family fun, entertainment and new selection of food to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, the America's Automotive Hometown. Auto enthusiasts have their pick between eight specialty shows along with the annual bookend events, Spring and Fall Carlisle. In addition, Carlisle Events will take part in two new, mid-western events which have been added to the schedule.
Spring Carlisle jumpstarts the season April 27-May 1. This event serves as a springboard for the calendar with its classic car swap meet, car corral and auction presented by Auctions America by RM. Exploring the grounds is simple and with 8,100 vending spaces and over 2,000 vehicles, you will marvel at one of the largest automotive swap meets in the world. Buy, sell and trade with total confidence as all roads lead to Carlisle. Another great feature with Spring Carlisle is the Junk-in-the-Trunk vending opportunity. This allows you to clean out the parts in your garage and make some money. For only $25, you get a vending space on Sunday only. Spaces for the Junk-in-the-Trunk program are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis with registration taking place at Gate 3 beginning at 7 a.m. Certain rules and restrictions apply.
Second on the ledger, but first among the specialty shows, is Performance & Style. Running May 14-15, P&S is more than a car show; it's a motorsports and lifestyle festival. P&S boasts some of the hottest, loudest, fastest and most tricked-out cars, trucks and SUVs on the east coast. You'll find over 1,500 custom compacts, tuners, modern muscle cars, VIP sedans, SUVs, mini-trucks and more. With stunt shows, live music, competitions and special guests all event long, this is a true festival atmosphere.
As the P&S cars depart Carlisle, the foreign flavor remains with the Import & Kit Nationals, May 20-22. Multiple countries will be represented during this year's show and attendees can take part in the first-ever passport contest. Around the World in 80 Acres allows show-goers a forum to get their passport booklets stamped in an effort to win prizes and interact with exhibitors and like-minded enthusiasts. Further, international food will be served in conjunction with the countries represented. Kit cars will also be featured, including the Dune Buggy. Back for this year is Bruce Meyers, Father of the Modern Day Dune Buggy. Bruce will be conducting seminars and signing autographs all weekend.
The Carlisle Ford Nationals opens up the month of June. The 15th anniversary of this show, held June 3-5 features a burnout competition, drag racing, parade of up to 400 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury automobiles as well as a shopping experience you won't soon forget. More than 2,200 vehicles will be on hand as part of the National Parts Depot show field. The show will also feature an enormous swap meet, car corral and the Manufacturers Midway for the best in parts buying.
Motor heads usher in the summer season with the GM Nationals, June 24-26. This year's show will feature the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow and its regional qualifier. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow is a high school level engine build competition. Students compete for time and accuracy. Winners of each regional qualifier plus two non- winning fast times will compete in the finals at the SEMA show in Las Vegas in November. Also appearing this year is J.D., Criss Angel's brother and co-star of MINDFREAK on A&E. J.D. will be showing GM's from his personal collection that are currently undergoing 100% body-off, complete nut-and-bolt restoration. In addition, there will be a competition to see who has the largest car club, a swap meet and car corral and so much more.
The Chrysler Nationals begins the back half of the annual schedule, running July 8-10. In a celebration of "everything Mopar," you can show your Mopar, Jeep, and AMC while checking out numerous car clubs and a Classics to Concepts display in Building T. Scheduled to appear is former Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider. Schneider's appearance is made possible by the Christine Car Club and will feature at least one authentic General Lee. In addition to Schneider, guests include Kevin Tetz, television personality and automotive how-to expert.
Four wheels give way to two as Bike Fest rolls onto the fairgrounds, July 22-24. From judged bike shows to a Rat Rod Revival, live music and a cruise-in, Bike Fest has something for everyone. Attendees can also take part in demo rides, meet Susan Parker, the 2009 New England ATV MX Women's Champion, check out the StarBoyz, a stunt bike riding team who have appeared on the Travel Channel, and watch Biker Billy entertain and cook his unique style of fare.
With just three events remaining, the Truck Nationals is up next, August 5-7. Along with the burnout competition, swap meet, truck corral and special guests, there will be a monster truck show and rides. You can also experience a one-of-a-kind wheelie ride through the Xtreme Wheelie Ride-MD Team. Kevin Tetz will once again be on the grounds, hosting live how-to seminars as well as meet-and-greets with fans and enthusiasts. Also in attendance will be Brian Fisher of Fisher's ATV World on the Outdoor Channel. Brian will be showcasing some of the latest ATV products as he brings his crew to Carlisle. It will truly be fun for the entire family.
The next to last event is the third longest running of all shows, Corvettes at Carlisle, August 26-28. This year, Chip's Choice will feature Barn Finds. Witness one of the most recognizable automotive brands in a somewhat unrecognizable state. Check out the cars that have literally been dragged out of a barn and hear the stories behind the find. You can also turn your parts and related merchandise into cash at the swap meet. With a crowd that's more than 50,000 strong, the swap meet is the perfect outlet to buy, sell or trade cars, car parts, accessories and so much more. Along with the swap meet, you could be part of Chip's Choice. If you own a Corvette that was found in a barn, restored or not, we'd love for you to be a part of the 2011 edition of Chip's Choice.
Fall Carlisle, the flagship event of all things automotive wraps up the 2011 season, September 28-October 2. Be a part of the Fall Carlisle Auction presented by Auctions America by RM. This event has sold out in the past so consign now for a prime spot in this year's event. In addition to the auction, you can buy or sell at the car corral, become a vendor in the swap meet or take part in the Sunday morning cruise-in.
New to the 2011 calendar will be a pair of events co-branded by Carlisle Events and Auctions America by RM. These Spring and Fall auctions will maintain a similar format as Spring and Fall Carlisle but will be held at the Auburn Auction Park in Auburn, Indiana. Auburn Spring takes place May 12-15 while Auburn Fall takes place September 1-4. Along with the Auction America by RM dates, Carlisle Events has partnered with numerous vendors to provide a brand new offering of food, drinks and snacks to its Carlisle venue.
Most events on the 2011 schedule will feature unprecedented access through the Gate-N-Go show field registration program. Gate-N-Go will allow you to save time and money. When you pre-register, you save $10 off the standard registration price. Enjoy the VIP treatment of driving straight to Gate 3. Once you drive through the main gate, you will be guided to your designated parking area. Check your desired show for pre-registration deadlines and details. No matter what event you attend or participate in, you will find safe, family friendly entertainment for show-goers of all ages. To participate in a show or to simply attend, contact Carlisle Events today!