When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
NortheastConnecticut | Delaware | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Martyrdom | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Vermont | West Virginia
The main area (on flat ground) is all reserved for clubs. If you work down the lanes behind the clubs you'll find some of the roads are gravel so you get a lot of dust througout the day.
I like up on the hill behind the Exhaust installers (all paved, and up on the hill with a slight breeze).
Bring a Canopy to get out of the sun as it gets HOT!
This will be the first year I attend the Carlisle show. Any advice or heads up would be appreciated. Hope to see you all there.
What is your objective ?
I have been to the Carlisle show probably 10 times over the last 25 years or so.
I have never driven a Corvette to the show.
I drive my truck, and always bring a wagon or hand truck to haul things around.
I park at one of the private homes that offer parking in their yard, just outside the gate , closest to the swap meet.
For me, its about digging through parts at the swap meet, and meeting/talking with the many different vendors.
I have purchased both new and used parts, made some great connections, and learned allot from my past trips to Carlisle.
Obviously, I am more into the vintage Corvettes, but I still enjoy and appreciate the later model cars on display..
The "carnival" type food is great.
I do remember the CorvetteForum having a booth at one point, but that was many years ago.
I started going with my Uncle and Dad back in the 80s to the Fall show. Now my Son and I go the Corvette show every year. I go for the swap meet. I still have parts that I bought back in the 80s that I have not used.
Bring a cooler with plenty of water. A wagon or cart is very helpful. If you see something you want, buy it immediately. If not chances are it will be sold when go back to get it, or you will forget where it was.....
If the Forum had a 'booth' or space it would be VERY cool. Why did that end?
I went last year - car was almost ready. This year it will be MORE almost ready. I'm in a hurry to paint my blue Practice Hood but only so many hours in a day. I might just use a roller and latex house paint - HATE the Blue Hood.
It is a Fun Event if you are a Vette Guy (or Gurl). Yes, It is Hot (mid Aug in Central PA), Yes you WILL walk a LOT (The Fairground is Vast), Yes, Bring shade (mistake last year), Yes, I would like to put a face with some of the user names on this fantastic forum.
Woodward Dream Cruise is the previous weekend - a Bucket List Item for sure. I dare you to do both!!
Here's the map for this year's show, so figure out where you can and can't park. If you're parked where you don't belong, you will be asked to move. There are nine clubs taking up a lot of spaces in the Reserved section. If you don't have a reserved spot, and aren't familiar how it all works, check the map, watch the signs when you get there, and get there EARLY!! Like 7 a.m. early. I've seen years when Fun Field is full by 8 a.m. And don't assume that the spot you parked in on one day is going to be your spot the next day or for the weekend. It's a crap shoot. https://carlisleevents.com/docs/defa...111.1689796499
Beware of thieves, especially for mid years. Stolen gas caps have been reported throughout the years. Lock your doors,roll up your windows. It’s a shame we’re going through these times.
Rick B, thank you for the reply. I was thinking of bringing a cart myself because my objective is mostly to find parts for my project. Plus, i am guessing i can put a small cooler in it as well and some chairs.
Rick B, thank you for the reply. I was thinking of bringing a cart myself because my objective is mostly to find parts for my project. Plus, i am guessing i can put a small cooler in it as well and some chairs.
A pop up canopy is almost a must have because there is literally NO shade. And if it rains, the grandstand, food court, and buildings get packed...which makes them even more hot. You can leave the frame up overnight, but canopy has to come off. And if you're just doing fun field, get there super early in the a.m. to make sure you get the same spot where your frame is. After 10, all bets are off, and even if your frame is there, if you're not, then anyone can park there and it's tough luck for you.
I actually just bought 2 beach/camping chairs with built in sunshades that i intend to put in my pull cart that should suffice as sun and rain protection. Good stuff, exactly the kind of information i was looking for.
If you do bring a canopy just be sure to stake/weigh it down. Had a 10x10 catch a gust last year & blow over onto the rear of a brand new C8 (not me, folks across from us just to be clear). Not a pretty sight for either party involved. A rare occurrence I know, but one to avoid for sure. Spend some time "over the hill' towards the test track & judging area. To me that is some of the most underrated real estate the show has to offer. Fun time no matter what & can't wait to be there next week with the crew.
If you do bring a canopy just be sure to stake/weigh it down. Had a 10x10 catch a gust last year & blow over onto the rear of a brand new C8 (not me, folks across from us just to be clear). Not a pretty sight for either party involved. A rare occurrence I know, but one to avoid for sure. Spend some time "over the hill' towards the test track & judging area. To me that is some of the most underrated real estate the show has to offer. Fun time no matter what & can't wait to be there next week with the crew.
Anybody who buys a canopy and uses it without staking or weighing it down is just asking for trouble. That's why you're asked/required to remove the tops each night when you leave the grounds. We were there in 09 (?) when the straight line winds and storm blew through, although we were at the hotel when the storm hit the show. It was afternoon, went back to the hotel to cool down because it was over 100* that day and 100% humidity, but we left the canopy on since we were planning on returning. Headed out to our car to go back when a guy came running out of our hotel yelling "Did you hear a tornado went though the fairgrounds? My car is there!!" He was frantic. We waited till the following morning before going back and it was not a pretty site. Canopies by the hundreds were like broken spiders stacked in piles, ours included. And just a couple years ago, I watched one literally go straight up in the air about 10 feet and just land iin the same spot. For everyone's safety and your own peace of mind, stakes and hammer fit real nicely in a coopie hole.
What RickB said!!!!!
