The Sun Finally Shines at Carlisle: Events Are a Go for the Rest of 2020

By Tim Suddard
Jun 25, 2020 | Carlisle, Spring Carlisle show

While some may jest about the occasional rainy weather encountered during Carlisle Events’ springtime show, what the group has gone through lately is no laughing matter: Late on Thursday, June 18, just as the gates were about to open for that weekend’s already-postponed Spring Carlisle show and swap meet, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stated that the event didn’t meet Covid-19 regulations and could not take place.

Lack of revenue and uncertainty were pushing Carlisle to the brink, show officials explain. Spring Carlisle, its first event for 2020 in this very much delayed season, was set to be its savior. The event fell into the approved green phase of operation.

Then the story of the shutdown was leaked and quickly spread across the internet–right as vendors were about to load in. Flustered but not defeated, the event staff found council, contacted their state representatives, and worked out a solution that could welcome some 20,000 attendees to an 82-acre fairground.

“I want to thank the department of health and the state of Pennsylvania for working with us to make this happen,” Bill Miller Jr., event co-owner and founder, said in a video message. “They understand our business now. I think they didn’t really understand our business.”

The key to the agreement, he added: “We can self-distance with no problem.”

Fairgrounds and event co-owner Lance Miller, an avid car collector himself, told Classic Motorsports that he was humbled by the outpouring of support from long-time vendors and guests. He also told us that rather than donating money to cover legal fees, which many have done, he would rather see supporters go to Carlisle Events’ website and purchase tickets for future events. This, more than anything, would help the Fairgrounds get their cashflow back on track.

Those who visit the events will find new Covid-19 protocols in place. These include mandatory masks for event entry, touchless ticketing, increased table spacing in the food court, and additional cleaning procedures.

Moving forward, the rest of the Carlisle Events schedule should be good to go–although note that there have been date changes. The Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, a popular event in our scene, has been rescheduled from May to August 14-16. We hope to be there to see our friends, sell some parts, and score some deals.

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