CARLISLE, PA (August 10, 2011) - Twenty-one years of truck excitement concluded Sunday as part of the 2011 Carlisle Truck Nationals, held August 5-7 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Throughout the weekend trucks of all shapes, sizes, makes and models were showcased, as were the latest products from LTAA, the Light Truck Accessory Alliance. Family activities were a focal point as well, with multiple Monster Truck shows, country line dancing, live music, the Women's Oasis and Kids at Carlisle.  Overall, the event, entering its third decade, continued to wow truck lovers of all ages and genders with great entertainment, industry guests, installations and much more. 

As the gates opened Friday, the first of many truck enthusiasts came on grounds for a display of nearly 2,000 trucks.  Throughout the day, popular spots included the seminar tent, monster truck area and the showfield itself for an amazing array of show trucks.  In the afternoon, renowned comedian Gallagher made a special appearance, smashing watermelons with a custom made super-sized Sledge-o-Matic as well as signing autographs for fans.  Friday evening wrapped up with live music, a spectacular big rig display and country line dancing, a popular late-evening feature.

A steady and sometimes heavy rain fell Saturday, but Mother Nature's shower did little to quell the spirits of show goers.  Trucks rolled on grounds throughout the day for what amounted to nearly 15 hours of festivities.  As thousands passed through the invitational display, many more packed the grandstands for a pair of monster truck shows.  War Wizard and Virginia Giant faced off to destroy cars, while Megasauras chewed up the mangled remains and set them on fire.  Seminars remained a popular feature on Saturday and the first-ever Tailgate Showcase provided an afternoon that made one area of the showfield feel more like a stadium/race track parking lot.  Live music also drew fans to the grandstand with country music singer Jason Sturgeon belting out hits from his debut CD, "That's Me."  With day turning to night, the grandstands were once again packed for the ever-popular burnouts and beauty competition, while trucks of varying styles lit up the night with the Big Rig Glow and Show, neon light contest and frame dragging competition.

Sunday saw the event conclude, but not before an ATV was given away courtesy of Velocity Cycles.  Mark Garvey from Alburtis, Pennsylvania registered onsite Friday of the event and was drawn at random on Sunday for the 2011 Honda 4-Trax.  In addition to the ATV prize, a more-than-60-minute-long awards parade showcased the best-of-the-best throughout the weekend.  Awards were issued for multiple classes, best tailgate, Kids Choice and more.  One final monster truck show was held and just as it did on Friday and Saturday, the large trucks drew an excited crowd to the stands to witness destruction. 

Whether it was for the monster trucks, the family-themed fun, browsing the swap meet and showfield or shopping in the truck corral, the weekend event offered a little bit of something for everyone.  Though the 2011 event has come to a close, 2012 is already in the planning stages.  The event will be held August 3-5, 2012 and would-be participants may register now by calling 717-243-7855 or by visiting www.CarlisleEvents.com.