2013 Event to Host Reunions, Special Displays and a Downtown Parade
CARLISLE, PA - The Carlisle Ford Nationals returns to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds June 7-9 for a weekend unmatched within the Ford community. With nearly 50,000 enthusiasts onsite and over 2,500 cars spanning Ford's production history, this year's event will be one that any Blue Oval fan will want to be part of. The 2013 event aims not only to feature a vast array of Fords throughout production history, but will also play host to a special Team Shelby Grand National event, the 20th Anniversary of SVT display powered by SVTOA, a High Performance 289 50th Anniversary reunion, various classics and so much more.
The gates open on Thursday as part of the new "early bird" day that has been implemented for select shows in 2013. The day will be a perfect way for anyone looking to browse the swap meet or car corral and get a jump on the buying process. In addition, this day will serve as a set-up day of sorts for everyone that will be positioned onsite over the course of the weekend. An admission cost applies, but parking in all Carlisle-owned and operated lots is free.
When the event itself moves forward at full speed on Friday, the gathering will be epic. The SVT 20th anniversary will be housed in Building Y, showcasing Mustangs, Lightning's, Contours, Focus, Raptors, GT's and more SVT equipped vehicles. As part of this gathering, Marcie Cipriani will be onsite with the SVTOA group. In addition, Building T will host a great Invitational Display, including a pair of Gran Torino cars featured as part of the Starsky & Hutch franchise. One car, a '76 was used while filming the TV show, the other, a '74 was part of the 2004 film. Further, onsite installations, including the Mustang Garage, return providing even more opportunities for enthusiasts to enhance, improve or upgrade their prized ride.
Team Shelby comes back to Carlisle too, this time around hosting a very special Grand National event. The gathering includes a Team Shelby Pre-Poker Run Party in Winchester, Virginia, scenic Poker Run from Winchester to Carlisle, a celebration party at Carlisle including awards, Team Shelby BBQ, lunch at Carlisle Saturday and the great camaraderie that comes with an event like this.
The Carlisle Expo Center will once again serve as home base for the Ford Go Further Ride and Drive Experience. Multiple Ford-branded cars will be available for enthusiasts to test drive free. This feature is bigger and better each year and allows for an amazing face-to-face interaction between patrons and Ford employees. This isn't the only opportunity for show goers to see what a Ford has to offer. On grounds at Carlisle, Ford will also play host to some unique and interactive test drive action. Certain details are still in the planning stages, but in some form or another, professional drivers will lead the way as passengers buckle up to see what their vehicle, or certain Ford rides can do on the autocross track.
Onsite and close by the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds won't be the only host spot for action. Saturday night will feature the third Downtown Ford Parade and Street Party. The parade will benefit the Downtown Carlisle Association and will see four hundred cars cruise into the downtown area, park and celebrate the brand. The parade will be lead by representatives from Ford and will feature live music downtown at both the courthouse square and a second stage at the corner of High and Pitt Streets. The parade and party starts early in the evening and will run until around 10 p.m.
Additional activities throughout the weekend include a burnout competition, beauty contest and entertainment for the entire family. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the event with the Kids at Carlisle activities center, the Women's Oasis, autograph sessions, industry guests and so much more. With the Blue Oval as far as the eye can see, the 2013 Ford Nationals will be an elite Ford-branded event that is a must attend for men, women and children of all ages.
About Carlisle Events: Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of 17 annual collector car, truck, motorcycle and outdoor-themed events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Bloomsburg Fairgrounds (Bloomsburg, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA), Auburn Auction Park (Auburn, IN) and Festival Park (Zephyrhills, FL). The season schedule hosts a sports and outdoors event, seven automotive swap meets of varying size, six auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, motorcycles, imports and kit cars and tuner and modern customs. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract more than a half a million enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available via www.CarlisleEvents.com.
