Bloomington or Carlisle

[Henry S.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Hi Henry,
If I may, I'd like to suggest you think about Carlisle for THURSDAY, too. Many of the venders are there or are in the process of setting up and many For Sale cars are in place. They are very few people there compared to the next 2 days. I find it much more enjoyable for that reason.
There is walk-in admission through the main gate only on Thursday. I have much more fun on Thursday than Saturday.
It's a terrific couple of days!
Regards,
Alan

Thanks Alan, I'll have to check our schedule to see where we'll be on Thursday. If it's Hershey and the "chocolate factory"we may be "SOL" with the ladies but then again
us guys could go AWOL and head for Carlyle early. I went to BG this year on Thursday and there were several vendor spaces empty. Take care, Shooter

[Dick W.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

If there was one thing someone should be sure not to miss at Carlyle what would it be? Thanks

BIG SMOKEY'S AND STICKEY BUNS

[Patrick H.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Thanks Patrick, we are planning on being there early. I've heard BG swap area doesn't compare with Carlyle even though some of the vendors are the same. If there was one thing someone should be sure not to miss at Carlyle what would it be? Thanks

It's Carlisle, not Carlyle.
"Car-lyle" might be Mr Chamberlain.

Seriously, it's all good.
However, if you're looking for certain parts be sure to note or write it down and have your friends help look.

Be nice to the NCRS guys stuck in the NCRS Gallery by Gate 1 and visit them. It's quite lonely out there in that building.

I often find the middle/main field with all the "special" groups can be boring (How may 82 Collector Editions or 93 40th Anniv cars do I need to see?).

Swap meet & Corvettes for sale are the must-see areas.

Patrick

[Dale C.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

This all sounds great, I just made all my travel arrangemets. I'm still kind of new at this, having bought my 1st Vette (68 BB) about 2 yrs ago but feel the passion of the seasoned enthusiasts. This will be my first trip to one of these events and am looking forward to it. Maybe I can find that one last part I need, Ha. See you at Carlisle.
Dale

[Harmon C.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

This all sounds great, I just made all my travel arrangemets. I'm still kind of new at this, having bought my 1st Vette (68 BB) about 2 yrs ago but feel the passion of the seasoned enthusiasts. This will be my first trip to one of these events and am looking forward to it. Maybe I can find that one last part I need, Ha. See you at Carlisle.
Dale

You will find the last part and about 15 more you think you need. The only thing that stops the buying is when you run out of cash. Buying Corvette parts is an addiction.

Car Lyle

[Kevin G.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Be nice to the NCRS guys stuck in the NCRS Gallery by Gate 1 and visit them. It's quite lonely out there in that building.

Patrick

Patrick, Thanks for the props on the Gallery Collection. For sure, this is one stop not to miss.
On display, each year in Carlisle, the Delaware Valley Chapter invites 22 cars (one from each judging class), with previous NCRS flight judging history, to a first class showing. We have cold water and plenty of indoor seating along with chapter members on staff for any questions. Just next to Gate 1 inside the old dealer building, stop in and say hello!

Kevin

[Henry S.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

It's Carlisle, not Carlyle.
"Car-lyle" might be Mr Chamberlain.

Seriously, it's all good.
However, if you're looking for certain parts be sure to note or write it down and have your friends help look.

Be nice to the NCRS guys stuck in the NCRS Gallery by Gate 1 and visit them. It's quite lonely out there in that building.

Patrick

Patrick, Dang now I know why I couldn't find it on Mapquest!! haha

We'll be sure to stop by and see the guys in the NCRS Gallery. Last week at BG I got to meet Gary Chestnut at the NCRS tent. I know Gary had asked for volunteers last week-end and saw some of the members stepped up to help out. This year we were only there for a couple hours both on Thursday and Saturday but plan on helping out next year if we go. As you mentioned I imagine it can make for a pretty long day manning the tent. In my short time with the NCRS it's easy to see Gary is among those that puts in more than his fair share for our organization to help make it possible for all of to enjoy it.

Dick, I've got"Big Smokey and Sticky Bun" written on a sticky note in my wallet to help remind me. I guess I better tell my better half what it is so she won't think I'm some kind of pervert if she finds it!! Take care, Shooter

[Bryan C.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

I really don't know which to choose from. The reason is after last years sales tax issue in Carlisle, many vendors did not go. One of the main sponsors (MId America) did not even attend the show. I have talked with some of the vendors and was told nothing was resolved, so they will not be back again this year. Plus I worry with the economy like it is that there will only be Pennsylvanians at the show. Not that it's a problem, it's just that the show used to bring people from all over the world. I personally think that ebay, internet are making the swap meet a thing of the past. If you want to see some cool cars support the hobby through the Corvette Museum or attend a local show and support you home town club. If you need parts request a catalog and shop from your own comfortable home.

[Edward S.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

I have only been to Bloomington once (2005) to have my car judged, so what I am about to say might have been change since. In doing my 20th check of ops something went wrong with my wiper washers, took it apart and found I needed a part. All the major players were there with great looking 18 wheelers - when I went to try and find the part I needed I found out the only items you could get were to be ordered thru a catalog and shipped to your home. Why 18 wheelers were needed when they carried no parts inventory is beyond me. I lucked out and found a small booth from a little company who had a original used part that I needed which was cheaper then a repro. I guess the point I am trying to make is that unless your going to Bloomington for judging or for the car auction, I find Carlisle much better to spend time at. If what I heard is correct this year they are having a judged Corvette show again, as well as many additional attractions and displays. Just make sure to pack your walking shoes.

[Paul B.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

I haven't been to Bloomington since 2007 (which was enjoyable) but I think I detect a movement to "All Cars" instead of just Corvette.
Carlisle has already made the distinction in makes with the # of meets that they conduct. Administratively, they are outstanding and the next generation of Bill/Chip gives every indication of assimilating the efforts and good judgement that improved Carlisle Corvettes every year.
I believe Carlisle has a GIANT edge as the place to go to meet your elderly friends, such as Joe Ray, so that you might "share a tea".

....threes years ago I retired from going to Bloomington after 17yrs straight. Had enough of the year to year changes, venues, etc. Did they have it this year? See, I didn't miss it at all, even if they did have it.

....been going to Corvettes @ Carlisle since '87 and I'm not about to give that up.

[Ridge K.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

As an old retired guy, I crisscross the country attending Corvette shows, events, and swap meets these days.
Point is,......hands down Carlisle is the one "must see" event. To anyone who thinks "I would sure like to see it, but just don't have the time, money, or friends and/or family to travel with, DON'T PASS IT UP! Life is great, but short.
Take this advice from an old retired guy who's been going to these events since the early 1970s. Find a way, and for certain...go see Carlisle.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Bloomington or Carlisle

Dale,

There is certainly no question in my mind that and Carlisle rules as the king of all Corvette Meets in the US.

1. The swap at Carlisle is probably 10000 times larger than Bloomie. That is 100+ acres vs. less than 1 acre at Bloomie.

2. The facilities at Carlisle are a cut above Bloomie.

3. Carlisle is supported by many more corporate sponsors than Bloomie.

4. Carlisle is attended by all the major clubs that comprises 53 and up.

5. Carlisle is attended by all major vendors.

6. Carlisle has a food court and an ample selection of foods to choose from.

7. Carlisle allows people to camp on the grounds and has facilities to accomodate. showers, bathrooms, camping grounds etc.

8. The City of Carlisle welcomes Corvette Carlisle and the people attending the shows.

9. Carlisle does not operate a three ring circus calling it an auction.

Is that enough reasons? There are many more but that probably covers the major reasons to attend Carlisle.

JR

bloomie does not have a G110. inside joke