Generally speaking, more than a year’s worth of planning goes into the annual Carlisle Ford Nationals car show.  With over 3,200 show cars on the National Parts Depot Showfield, a great mix of vendors, and nearly 60,000 guests, you’ve got to start early to ensure all the T’s are crossed and I’s dotted.  Even with the best pre-laid plans, sometimes the coolest, must-see elements come together closer to the start of the show.  This year’s event, May 31-June 2 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, has already shared plans for a handful of special displays and honors and now, the Carlisle Ford Nationals are pleased to share no less than nine activities/announcements specific to this year’s event.

In no particular order, guests should plan to arrive early and stay all day each day for walkarounds, autograph signings, shopping opportunities, unveilings, high-performance showcases, parades, and more.  In fact, it’s fair to say the first parade actually starts when the gates open at 7 AM on May 31 as enthusiastic car owners roll onto the grounds. 

Beyond that, as the days play out, guests will be treated to vehicle walkarounds at the stage beginning at 10 AM on Friday.  These sessions, scheduled for both Friday and Saturday, include presentations from Roush, Ford Motor Company, RTR Vehicles, Saleen, KTL Restorations, Shelby American, and JH Restorations.   There will also be on grounds parades throughout the day Friday, including a 12:30 PM SVO showcase, a 1:30 PM grand entrance by Team Shelby, and a 2 PM parade of the Mustang II.

There are also some special moments planned by way of guests and friends of Carlisle, too.  At 1 PM on Friday, the 31st, Duncan Brothers Customs hosts a press conference near their award-winning “Frankenboss” Mustang in Building T.  The presser will cover some radical future happenings for DBC that’s a can’t-miss for Ford enthusiasts.  Not long after, also in Building T, Gary Patterson, President of Shelby American, offers a 2 PM unveiling of a vehicle that will no doubt wow guests, as has been the case for the past two years.  After the unveiling, the newly showcased vehicle becomes part of the featured vehicles on display in Building T throughout the rest of the weekend.

Guests are also a big part of the Carlisle Ford Nationals and Steve Saleen is the latest addition to the dossier of happenings.  Saleen will have multiple autograph sessions throughout the event at his location on the midway, just east of the grandstand and stage.  It’s always a good time with Saleen and his stories are worth the price of admission.   Saleen joins previously announced guests John Clor (Ford Performance), Camilo Pardo (2005 Ford GT designer), and Robert Kennedy (author) as “people to make time to meet” while visiting the Carlisle Ford Nationals.

Finally, there are chances to spend a few bucks and yield a fun return on the spend.  VMP Performance hosts dyno runs on their Mobile Dyno-Jet 224x and for a nominal fee, guests can have their rides tested, with results offered in nearly real time.  In addition, a limited edition collectible diecast car will be available at the Carlisle Store.  The 1969 Ford Mustang drag car crafted by M2 Machines has the number 50 on it and some gold branding to commemorate the Carlisle Events 50^th Anniversary season; perfect for any collector.  Only 1,000 exist and will surely go fast. 

In all, there’s no shortage of opportunities to socialize, showcase, and maybe even spend at the 2024 Carlisle Ford Nationals.  There’s still time to register for the National Parts Depot Showfield, secure a vending space within the automotive flea market, or purchase discounted spectator admission tickets online.  Full details on the event and these latest additions are available at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855 today. 

One of the best parts of the annual Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals car show is its diverse mix of show cars on the Showfield.  These rides emanate from around the world and are showcased by passionate car owners and car clubs who cruise to Carlisle to have fun and show off their passions.  In addition to the car show and track activities, there are social elements too, including car club hangouts, the annual passport program for adults and kids alike, and back for its second year, the Carlisle Brew Mixer.

While the car show starts at 7 AM daily on Friday and Saturday, May 10-11 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, the mixer itself is on Saturday, May 11 from 11 AM to 5 PM.  As part of the mixer, guests can enjoy the taste of some of central PA’s finest establishments AND enjoy live music too. 

The second annual Brew Mixer is located just behind the grandstand and adjacent to the food court.  This centrally located footprint provides easy access not just to the wide variety of food options at the event, but to the equally varied offerings from a handful of local establishments who have committed to attend.  To date, Rusty Rail Brewing Company (Mifflinburg, PA), Gearhouse Brewing Company (Chambersburg, PA), Mellow Mink Brewing (Mechanicsburg, PA), Desperate Times Brewery (Carlisle, PA), and Big Hill Cider Works (Gardners, PA) have confirmed participation. 

In addition to the aforementioned businesses, the Brew Mixer also hosts live music from local acts Soup Kitchen and acoustic performer Matt Jameson.  Soup Kitchen is Carlisle-based and blends musical influences into their brand of Rock N' Roll. Soup Kitchen takes audience favorites and puts their signature seven-piece sound on them, allowing every performance to have an eclectic range of tunes.  Each member has a unique musical background and years of experience that keeps the audience wanting more.  For Jameson, a Harrisburg-based act, he’ll get the crowd involved by strumming the sounds of ‘00s alt-rock, ‘80s and ‘90s pop, grunge, modern country, classic rock, popular oldies, and more. 

Attending the Brew Mixer is simple in that guests who are at Carlisle for the car show or those who specifically come for the Brew Mixer have access to both for the same admission cost.  Spectator parking is $10 and is available on the grounds.  Spectator admission is $12 at the gate, cheaper online in advance or in person with a military ID.  Speaking of IDs, the Brew Mixer is for those 21 and older.  IDs will be checked, with wristbands being issued for eligible participants. 

Each Brew Mixer participant will operate individually, offering full pours for a reasonable price point, while also making available merchandise specific to their business.  The Soup Kitchen set starts at 11 AM and is planned for three hours, with Jameson starting around 2:30 PM.

Purchase discount spectator admission tickets, shop for branded merchandise, review the event guide, and learn more about the mixer and car show online at CarlisleEvents.com today or call 717-243-7855!