I'm thinking of going this year and wondered if anyone has thoughts good or bad? What should I expect to see, and which are the best days to go? Does it get overcrowded?

 

You should be prepared to see everything and anything Corvette. It is 18 acres big. I go on Friday and there are plenty of people. If it is hot, there are few places to get out of the heat. If you are a true Corvette enthusiast you will enjoy.

 

If you have not experienced Corvettes at Carlisle, you need to go to this event. There are very few events this big with this many Corvettes in one place. The only other event I can think of is Mid America Motorworks Fun Fest in IL. That show is not as old at Carlisle and has only recently ecliipsed the numbers at Carlisle in the past few years. If you are thinking about doing anything to your C5, this is a great place to meet knowledgable folks and see thousands of modifications. If stock is your game, plenty of those there as well as some very desirable and rare Corvettes. Then there is installation alley. At last years show, I had a set of American Racing Headers installed with a tune from the Vette Doctors. I spoke to several tuners and ended up have a full H/C package installed by ECS this Spring. There is the car corral for the hundreds of folks selling Corvettes and the live corvette auction going on just down the street in Carlisle events new auction building. Tons of other activities such as chassis dyno, seminars, food, parts vendors, swap meet, and more.

In terms of days to attend, I would say Friday is a great day if you are not into crowds. Saturday is the best day in my opinion but also the most crowded. Get there early. Sunday is the day to do your last minute shopping and hopefully make a few deals.

You should definately plan to make the event this August.

 

its a fantastic event,hundreds and hundreds of vendors,thousands of corvettes,auctions,burnout contests,vettes for sale, GM will be there,and other top names,all I can say is go,you'll have a blast!!!!! been going for years, and will be going with some friends again this year.

 

I was hoping to go this year, which would be my first time, but I'm not sure if the kids are going to screw us again.
Back to school they go, which is a good thing.
Looking forward to other peoples comments.

 

This is one event that I have yet to go see - but from what has been posted here about it, it is one heck of a show. Maybe some day I'll get a chance to take it in.

 

I'm going... the targa Z06 will finally be done My father will drive his Z16 if it's not sold, if it is, then they'll take my mom's vert.

 

I attended this event in 2005 and I had a GREAT time. I’ve never seen so many Vettes in one place. Plenty going on and this is a “must attend” for any Corvette enthusiast. I went on a Saturday and I didn’t feel it was over crowded. It is HOT so be prepared and drink plenty of water. If you expect to stay overnight, I suggest you book your accommodations NOW and expect to stay at least 15 or 20 minutes from the site.

 

I plan on going with a buddy......can't wait!

 

JUST GO, you will have no regrets.

 

I'd pick Fri as recommended to avoid the biggest crowd although this event can be fun with the masses too. Nothing but good thoughts to convey from my experiences. Last year they did have a severe storm one day. Expect to see thousands of vendors selling parts and supplies for every year plus tons of vettes for sale. Pull up their web-site for daily events. The vette parade through Carlisle is a real crowd pleaser on Sat PM. They got all the food you need on premises. From your location I'd go right up I-81 to avoid the DC beltway. Don't try to drive up from NC and attempt to see it all the same day. Make your reservation now if staying overnight. Local reservations may be booked by now. If so, try motels near the state line for a Thur overnight and Fri show day if you want to avoid the crowds. For you, Harrisburg may be out of the way but they may have rooms. Sun is wrap-up day and vendors pack up right after the afternoon drawing for the annual give-a-way corvette.

Bring suntan lotion, a hat, good walking shoes, and a small digital. If you bring your vette there should be paid parking on premises.

Have fun! And say hello to Bill Miller for me, the co-owner. The other is Lance Miller (not related). Lance is the son if Chip Miller who died a few yrs ago of Amyloidosis. Chip was HD into Corvettes, a 'TV Route 66' type of guy. Chip and Bill started Carlisle Events back in the 70's. Between Spring and fall, there are specific car events each month. The last weekend in Aug has been the traditional Corvette event. Starting in 1982, I-119 was my space for many a year.

More tips & suggestions for first timers: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2043343

 

If you hang until the end on Sunday you might just win a free Corvette at the drawing.

 

Unrelated to your original question. A good friend of mine is named James Robert Wilson. I always call him JimBob!

 

Everything and anything Corvette.I spend 3 days there and enjoy every minute. Most all the major vendors will be there as well as individual vendor spaces just selling what ever they dragged up. Some great bargins to be had and something different going on everyday. From swimsuit contest to burn-out contest. Great food good people-a must see at least once in your life time. Just a sea of Corvettes.

 

I've been going for the past 5 or 6 years and love it So many vendors, so many Corvettes and so many people My only complaint is how damn hot it is. Last year they had a terrible storm down there that damaged a bunch of vendor sites and even some Corvettes. Despite all that, you won't regret it

 

I went last year. Great show, some really good deals. But HOT! And Corvette's of every type and description. Not to be missed.

 

I flew from SoCal to attend Carlisle and it was worth it!

Be prepared for the heat. Being from SoCal....the humidity was pretty rough.

Make sure to attend some of the tech classes. Last year they had a C4/C5 expert do a presentation and then was open for questions....very knowledgeable.

 

I have been going every year for the past 17 years and expect to be there again this year. You can expect to see everything and anything corvette.
Expect to do a lot of walking. I am not sure of the numbers but they say that about 35,000 people show up over the weekend and somewhere between 5 and 10,000 corvettes. With fuel the way it is I have a feeling the numbers may be somewhat lower this year although the earlier Carlisle weekend has done well.

 

If the heat is too much to bear remember there is a new air conditioned auction building about 1 block off the fairgrounds itself.... great way to get cool if you don't get caught up in the heat of bidding.

Since it is the fall, there are a lot of Vettes for sale at end of the season (almost clearance prices) across all generations....

 

I come over from England every year just for Corvettes at Carlisle. I guess that says it all - it's well worth it and I've made some great Corvette friends in the US on my travels.

Flight, hotel and rental car all booked for this year - can't wait.