How do you engage the next generation of automotive enthusiasts in the car hobby? This question has been asked for decades.  A simple answer: give them tools and let them create.  For select students in the SUN Technical Institute (New Berlin, PA) Collision Repair Technology, this means an opportunity to design, build, and ultimately raise money for their school and program.

Since late 2024, SUN students have been transforming pedal cars into works of art.  Their goal: build, display, and auction them at the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction, April 24–25, at the Carlisle Expo Center.  Seven teams of two collaborated to craft these masterpieces.  Four teams designed 1955 Chevys, and three created Ford Roadsters.  While the cars started as basic kits, each team developed unique concepts, executed bodywork, prepared and painted the cars, and delivered unique presentations ahead of the auction.

This experience extends beyond the classroom.  Once completed, the cars will be prominently displayed at the AACA Museum, Inc., in Hershey for two months before moving to the Carlisle event.  The museum will host the students and their creations starting in late February.

During the Spring Carlisle event, held April 23–27 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, the pedal cars will take center stage at the auction.  Proceeds from the sales will be donated to SUN Technical Institute's automotive program, courtesy of Carlisle Auctions.

In addition to the auction, SUN students and their instructor, John Reeder, will explore the automotive flea market at the fairgrounds, which hosts 8,100 vendor spaces filled with millions of car parts and collectibles.  The immersive experience draws nearly 100,000 automotive enthusiasts from around the world.

The journey has been documented by Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions on social media through photos and videos.  The Carlisle team also visited SUN Technical Institute to capture the students’ progress firsthand.

“One of our team’s priorities is keeping the car hobby alive for future generations,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “This means investing in youth and sharing our passion with them.  When Mr.  Reeder proposed his idea, we were thrilled to support it.  Our newest team member, Jason Ramey, spearheaded this partnership with Mr. Reeder.  What began as a small initiative has grown significantly, involving students beyond Mr.  Reeder’s class.  We couldn’t be more proud and hope this experience creates lasting memories for the students,” added Cline.

Collision Repair Technology Instructor John Reeder expressed his gratitude: “The students and I are thrilled to partner with Carlisle Auctions on this fundraising project.  I reached out with a small idea, and their team has taken it to a whole new level.  In fact, it’s been so popular at the school that students from outside of my collision repair class have been able to participate and support us too.  We’re excited about the direction this project is heading.”

Gates for Spring Carlisle driven by Hemmings open at 7 AM daily, with auctions starting at 12 PM on April 24–25.  For event details, tickets, and more, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.  Auction information is available at CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.

The holiday season is upon us, and generally speaking, it’s a time for giving. More recently, Giving Tuesday, held on December 3, exemplified this spirit through its annual global generosity movement. People gave, companies gave, and at Carlisle Events, the staff brainstormed ways to give back to the local (central PA) community that has proudly supported the company since 1974. The result of this brainstorming session? Throwing teddy bears onto the ice at a local hockey game. Sounds fun, right? It sure is—and it also supports a great cause.

On Sunday, January 5, the Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Washington Capitals and back-to-back AHL champions, will host their annual Teddy Bear Toss at the Giant Center in Hershey. Carlisle Events will be there! The evening not only welcomes the Providence Bruins (affiliate of the Boston Bruins) to town but also hosts 11,000+ hockey fans and thousands more teddy bears of all sizes and various levels of cuddly.

Per the Hershey Bears web page, "As part of the club's Hershey Bears Cares initiative, teddy bears and stuffed animals are collected and donated to more than 30 local and regional organizations, including Catherine Hershey Schools, Vista Autism Services, Harrisburg School District, Cocoa Packs, Hershey Food Bank, Helping the Harrisburg Family, Palmyra Lions Club, Milton Hershey School, and Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area."

Best of all, since 2001—the first year of the toss—nearly 500,000 bears have been flung over the glass and onto the ice. Select Carlisle Events staff will bring nearly 100 bears directly from the Carlisle Store. The store, powered by CarShowGear.com and Green Mountain Monogram, sold these Carlisle Events 50th Anniversary bears in 2024. With an abundance of overstocked plush, snuggly creations available, the Great Mountain team graciously made them available for this special giving moment in January.

Through social media (YouTube and Carlisle Events on Facebook), Carlisle Events will showcase the fun, from retrieving the bears from storage to preparing for the staff night out at the game. Following that, there will be even more videos of the event itself, including bears flying over the glass onto the ice and reactions from Carlisle staff and fans in attendance. In short, it’ll be a memorable night of giving for everyone involved. To learn more about the event that will no doubt sell out and all the great causes it benefits, visit HersheyBears.com.

It seems just like yesterday that Carlisle Events concluded its 50^th Anniversary Season.  That special season launched in January of 2024 with Auto Mania at the Allentown Fairgrounds in eastern Pennsylvania and now, with 2025 on the horizon, so is the return to Allentown.  As has been the case since 1990, Auto Mania remains Pennsylvania’s largest indoor heated automotive flea market event and this time around, takes place January 17-19.  This event attracts thousands of people and packs the Agri-Plex building at the fairgrounds.  Guests trekking to Allentown can not only experience the automotive flea market (car parts and memorabilia for sale) but there is a bit of a car corral aspect to it too (classic cars for sale).

Auto Mania in Allentown for its guests is like Christmas morning to kids around the world.  The excitement level is through the roof and the endless automotive parts shopping options are what brings thousands from the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions.  In addition to the awesome automotive options, there is something extra special right next door. For two of the three event dates, there is a farmer’s market under the main grandstand of the fairgrounds.  This market runs Friday and Saturday of the show (January 17-18) and has as much variety food-wise as Auto Mania does car parts.  Just like there is something for everyone within the Agri-Plex, there is a wide array of fares offered by local and regional farmers, including baked goods, fruits, veggies, and more.

ALL NEW for 2025, area Lions Club members will be at the event each day to collect money to support various causes they support.  At least two Lions will be positioned near a main entry point for upwards of three hours each day.  It’s also a great opportunity for Lions mix and mingle with guests and raise awareness for what they do. 

Spanning nearly three full days, Auto Mania has entertained and assisted motorheads for decades, offering some indoor solace from the otherwise dark and chilly winter months.  The venue is situated off many of eastern PA’s major roadways, including I-78, I-95, US-22, and I-476. There really is no better way to get the new year up and running than with Auto Mania.  From rare to common, unique to exotic, the event certainly does have it all! 

Select vendor spots are still available and sellers of all types are welcome, including large businesses, small businesses, mom-and-pop shops, and individuals.  There are also space options for classic and collector cars, trucks, and other motorized units.  This may include snowmobiles, tractors, plows, boats, etc. 

Admission tickets are available online and in advance of the event at a discount.  Those who purchase online or have a season pass can utilize a separate entrance, allowing for even faster access to their shopping treasures.  Gates open at noon on Friday, January 17, and at 9 AM on Saturday and Sunday.  Parking is FREE, kids 12 and under are FREE, and complete details about the event can be found online at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855. 

Since 1986, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds have offered some international flair to automotive enthusiasts by way of the annual import car show.  The event has evolved over the years and today’s iteration, known as the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, returns for its 40^th offering May 16-17.  In doing so, the grounds will once again highlight some of the best rides from around the globe, both on the Showfield and by way of Featured Vehicle displays.

When the gates open on Friday, May 16, guests will roll in to enjoy nearly 2,000 show cars and trucks from around the world.  There are at least eight different countries showcased, with England being one of them.

The TR7 was Triumph’s last TR car with its production lineage dating back to 1975.  Fast forward to May and the plan is to celebrate the famous wedge design.  We are looking for several examples to display indoors at the show. This is open to all variants of the TR7 and of course, the TR8.  In addition to the cars on display, there’s a goal of amassing a gallery of TR7/TR8 memorabilia and/or collectibles to showcase too.

This display will be one of many, as car clubs take center stage to highlight what drives their passion.  This includes a massive display from the SAAB Club, Volvo Club, Porsche Club, Opel Club, BMW Club and more.  In addition, there will be a general featured vehicle display that will no doubt include at least one super car.  It’s a guarantee that guests will see something they’ve never seen before, either on grounds or within a display. 

Another great display to check out can be found just east of Building T.  That’s where the race-prepared vehicles call home.  The race paddock is reserved exclusively for vehicles that are set up for racing.  This includes road racers, autocross cars, drag racing, rally cars, and more.

Speaking of race cars, more so cars with their wheels in motion, the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals also hosts a variety of track-tivities.  This includes drifting and autocross powered by NICOClub, a rolling burnout contest, and drift limbo.  In addition, there are on-grounds parades, low car limbo, and even a rolling exhaust contest.  Best of all, these activities and displays all happen with the backdrop of car clubs, automotive flea market vendors, a great concessions area, and over 20,000 guests. 

A complementary component of the event is the 3^rd annual Brew Mixer. This will be held on Saturday of the event weekend and takes place directly across from the Food Court, making for one-stop shopping for food, beverage and live music. The Brew Mixer will host a variety of central Pennsylvania breweries offering their own unique beverage options. All of this is enhanced by local bands playing everything from covers to original songs. Access to the Brew Mixer is included with admission to the show.

Gates open at 7 AM each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE.  Complete details about the 2025 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, including information on how to become a vendor, register for the Showfield, apply for display consideration, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Do you enjoy a good discount?  How about the convenience of being able to gift something you know someone special in your life enjoys?  Oh…and are you a gift giver, either during the holiday season or as part of a special occasion?  If you answered YES to these questions AND you or someone you know is into the collector car hobby, then Carlisle Events has the deal of the year just for you!  The annual Carlisle Events Holiday Sale returns in 2024 with savings, convenience, and even gift cards!

Holiday Sale 2024/25 starts at 8 AM on Friday, November 29 (Black Friday) and runs through Thursday, January 2 at 5 PM.  During the run of the sale, those who buy will be doing so at a 20% savings on Showfield or Fun Field registrations, single-day spectator admission tickets, event passes, and the best value of them all, season passes.  Regardless of what is bought, savings are key, especially for a season pass.  Season passes are regularly $89.99 and are best for those who attend multiple events as a spectator; someone who walks the grounds to look at the show cars and trucks or purchase items within the automotive flea market. 

During the sale, they’ll be available for just $71.99 ($69.99 for AACA members), meaning you can walk through the gates for an average of around $2.00 per day.  Season pass access also means entry to events away from Carlisle, like Auto Mania in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and a destination event; the Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction in Lakeland, Florida. 

If a season pass isn’t a viable option, then single-day spectator admission tickets or multi-day spectator event passes may be the right option for you.  Those too will be offered at a 20% discount and with single-day options per show ranging from $10 to $20 depending on the event, a few dollars’ worth of savings means more money to enjoy the finer aspects of the event itself.

The Carlisle Store and CarShowGear.com are also getting in the mix, with savings of their own.  On Black Friday itself, they’ll offer 15% off all merchandise on their web page, with additional sales options sprinkled in throughout the holiday season.

Season passes and spectator admission savings are one thing, but what about savings for those who show off a car or truck?  This is also an option and that means showgoers can help populate the grounds with decades of past, present, and future classics while saving 20% along the way.  This is the deepest discount option available and includes admission for two (driver/passenger). 

Finally, back by popular demand for the holiday sale, gift cards!  Gift cards will be available and can be loaded with any denomination of money.  Instead of just giving someone the gift of tickets or show access, they can offer up options that may translate to booking vending spaces for the automotive flea market, a visit to the Carlisle Store for merchandise, the concessions area for food, parking, transactions related to Carlisle Auctions, etc.  These gift cards will be processed just like a credit card and can be given in a stylish holiday-themed card holder or a generic Carlisle Events holder (while holder supplies last).  Gift cards are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and more.

Online sales for all discount options commence on Black Friday, with orders starting November 29 at 8 AM.  Phone and in-person ordering options run during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM) from December 2 through December 23, with only online orders available thereafter (Carlisle offices closed for the holidays).  Anything ordered on or before December 20 will be mailed, with mailings resuming January 2 once the Carlisle offices re-open for 2025.

Call 717-243-7855 today to learn more or visit www.CarlisleEvents.com starting November 29 to accelerate your purchase!  The annual Carlisle Events holiday sale...capitalize on the savings and give the gift of Carlisle this holiday season.