International Festival Draws Thousands

May 25, 2011 - PRLog -- The Carlisle Import & Kit Nationals have come and gone, but the event, held May 20-22 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds will not soon be forgotten.  Great weather, a festival atmosphere and international flavor, both on the showfield and at the concession stand made the 25th anniversary of the event one of the top three all-time Import & Kit shows.

Industry specialists were on site as Bruce Meyers; Father of the Modern Day Dune Buggy met with fans, signed autographs, shared stories and took part in a scenic and picturesque dune buggy cruise.   In addition to Meyers, Axcelerated Motorsports and their dyno machine were on site as was the crew from Factory Five Racing and a group of enthusiasts showcasing how to install/retro fit an import or kit car with an electric engine.  These were just some of the guests on hand for the show.

The fun commenced on Friday afternoon when the clouds gave way to the sun and thousands of cars and car enthusiasts alike rolled onto the grounds.  Friday also marked the start of the “Around the World in 80 Acres” promotion, allowing attendees to get a country specific stamp in their event directory and redeem their completed passport for prizes.  Multiple attendees commented that the passport program encouraged them to see more than just what they came for and that it allowed them to better enjoy the showfield’s international feel.

On Saturday, the atmosphere was amazing.  Sunny skies welcomed droves of Import & Kit fans to the grounds for a day of live music, kids activities, showfield judging and more trips around the automotive world.  The international food available at Woody’s Fuel Stop was also a hit as attendees were able to sample fare from England/U.K., Japan/Asia, Italy, Sweden and Germany.  In addition to the food and fun, various cruises were held throughout the Cumberland Valley, including an excursion to Gettysburg.  Another highlight of the Saturday festivities saw a 1907 Renault Runabout take several laps around the autocross track with owner Kirk Gibson donning era specific attire for the drive.   On Sunday, awards were doled out to various car clubs, including Coolest Club and Largest Club (Saab’s at Carlisle, Kids Choice (1907 Renault Ronabout) and more.

To conclude the weekend, a 1976 Toyota Corolla was given away as Anthony Jeremias was drawn from a pool of thousands of on site and online registrants.  The Import & Kit Nationals return in 2012, May 18-20 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds with a fresh and exciting schedule.  Most activities are still to be determined, however; updates and additions will frequently be posted to www.carlisleevents.com.

A truly unique and engaging auto festival, this event welcomes an eclectic mix of over 1,400 vehicles from vintage to modern imports to many varieties of kit cars.  Take a tour of the automotive world in Carlisle.  Organized by country of origin, the Showfield will please children and adults alike as they stamp their passport and indulge in international flavors.  Restoring your own piece of history?  Shop a wide variety of vendors in our Manufacturers Midway, Swap Meet, and Car Corral for the best in parts, accessories, and automotive buying.  The Carlisle Import & Kit Nationals – a weekend full of international fun for the entire family.

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About Carlisle Events: Carlisle Events, host of 10 annual collector car, truck and motorcycle events, attracts more than half a million people to its 150-acre facility in Carlisle, Pennsylvania each year. Included in the annual events schedule are two huge automotive swap meets and auctions –Spring and Fall – and individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, motorcycles, tuner/modern customs and imports. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, the “Cars at Carlisle” shows attract automotive enthusiasts from around the world. Information about Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions is available to consumers via the Internet at www.CarlisleEvents.com and www.CarlisleAuctions.com