Zephyrhills Winter AutoFest Celebrates 39 Years with New Leadership in 2013

Jan. 30, 2013 - PRLog -- Carlisle Events and the automotive festivals held annually in Zephyrhills, Florida launched in the same year; 1974.  Though Carlisle Events and its flagship event, Fall Carlisle, are widely regarded as one the largest and most popular collector car swap meets in the country, it was Zephyrhills Winter AutoFest that started the 1974 collector car movement.  In 2013, and with Carlisle Events’ acquisition of both Zephyrhills’ weekends (Fall and Winter AutoFest), Carlisle Events and the winter event in Florida will celebrate 39 years together as part of Winter AutoFest, February 21-24 at Festival Park in Zephyrhills.

For the second time in three months, Carlisle Events’ staff will work hand in hand with Zephyrhills’ specialists to promote and produce a one-of-a-kind automotive experience.  The weekend launches on Thursday, February 21 with a sold-out Festival Park bustling with enthusiasts from all points of the globe.  The swap meet spaces fill with a great array of collector car pieces and parts, collectibles and automotive-themed paraphernalia, while the car corral showcases cars for sale by owner which span generations.  Best of all, the swap meet and car corral experience is an amazing way to interact with like-minded enthusiasts of varying backgrounds and locations.  This fun continues daily through the close of the event on Sunday, February 24.  

In addition to four days of swap meet and car corral action, a two-day auto auction takes place on Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23.  During the auction, nearly three hundred cars will cross the block, all for sale to the highest bidder.  The auction excitement runs deep with hundreds of bidders and enthusiasts standing shoulder to shoulder within the auction house.  Automotive history is fully displayed during these two days as well, with cars spanning the history of production.  During the fall event, held in November, vehicles up for auction included vintage models from the 1920's through modern day.  With an over 50% sell-through rate and multiple cars selling near the six figure price point in the fall, the Winter AutoFest auction promises to once again be a hot spot for bidding and buying action.

Another great aspect of the weekend is the fine array of food available throughout the grounds.  The family atmosphere is heightened as adults and children alike can walk the grounds, talk about the automotive timeline on display, search for hidden gems within the swap meet area and enjoy a great meal at an affordable price.

Additional aspects of the weekend include Monster Truck rides via the Shell-Camino and a Friday only car cruise.  The cruise costs $25, but a portion of those costs benefit a local charity.  Further aspects of the weekend are still in the planning stages.  Looking forward to Fall AutoFest in November, a cruise-in, car show and even more live entertainment are potential options.  At this time, none of these activities are confirmed, but Carlisle Events is working with local organizations to make it possible.  As details are confirmed, they will be posted on the Carlisle Events web page as well as on the Zephyrhills Facebook page.   Finally, anyone interested in consigning a car for the auction or purchasing a spot within the swap meet or car corral, should contact Carlisle Events directly at 717-243-7855.