The Carlisle PA Fairgrounds is a large footprint that can be a challenge at times, even for the most experienced attendee.  82 acres, 16+ miles of paved roadway, vendors and cars everywhere…it’s easy to understand how you may start wondering to yourself “where did I see that part or car I want to buy?”  “How do I get my purchase from its space to my truck?”  “How am I going to do this?” 

Never fear, because we’ve compiled a helpful list of ways that enhance your on-site experience at Carlisle!  Thanks for joining us and enjoy your time at the show!

1. BRING CASH - The more the better. It’s hard to negotiate a deal without being able to pay.
2. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES - It’s a lot of walking.
3. SUN BLOCK/DRINK LIQUIDS - You’ll be in the sun all day. It’s important to protect yourself and stay hydrated, especially if your weekend outdoors is your first prolonged exposure to the sun for the year.
4. REMEMBER THE SPACE - Take a picture of the space location or write it down. Every space at Carlisle has a disk to designate the space.  Look down and you’ll see the space marker.  Write down the letter and number.  Don’t try to remember the space or the surrounding area. You’ll spend the rest of the day looking for it.
5. COME EARLY - Rare parts and great deals typically happen for the first person to find them. Set up day(s) and the first day of the event are for the serious shoppers.
6. ACT FAST - If you see a great deal, grab it. If you plan to come back later, it will probably be gone.
7. NEGOTIATE - It’s a flea market so don’t be afraid to make a REASONABLE offer.
8. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED - Chances are good that you will find something you weren’t planning to find, so keep your eyes open.
9. LOOK EVERYWHERE - Even if you are looking for parts for your brand of vehicle, don’t walk past the vendor selling parts for other models or generations just because you assume there’s no way the vendor has what you want.  Give their space a look too.  They might not only have it, it may be cheap since it’s not what they typically sell.
10. USE THE CARLISLE EVENTS APP - Use the FREE Carlisle Events app to easily find your way back to a vendor (if you know the row and space).  You can also use it to check activity schedules, register for other events, connect with fellow enthusiasts via social media, browse a digital copy of the event guide and more.
11. STAY LATE – There are always deals at Carlisle, but sometimes the best ones happen early on day 1 of a show, or late on its final day.Vendors are typically more willing to negotiate when they are packing up – especially large items.
12. BRING A SHOPPING LIST - Our memories aren’t as good as we think. Write it down. You can even make a list on your phone. Take pictures of what you need.
13. BRING A BAG, CART, ETC. - Parts will get heavy so have a way to carry your purchases. Ask the seller if you can leave heavy parts until later.
14. HAVE IT HAULED - Carlisle Events offers FREE* parts hauling. Keep that in mind if you’re looking at an engine, transmission, truck bed, etc.
15. FREE TAXI SERVICE – Need to get from point A to point B but don’t feel like walking it?  Carlisle Events offers a FREE* taxi service.  Dial 717-960-6429 to secure a ride. 
16. ASK! - If someone has parts for a vehicle but not the ones you need, ask if the seller has it. It might still be in his truck or at home. Even if he doesn’t, he might know someone who does.
17. KNOW THE VALUE - Do some homework on the parts you’re looking for so you know if the price is a good deal.
18. AVOID THE CROWDS - When you arrive, go to an out-of-the-way area to start rather than following the herd.
19. WALK IT ALL - Don’t miss any rows. The Carlisle Fairgrounds isn’t a perfect grid so make sure you hit every row and space.
20. ADVERTISE - Wear a hat, shirt or signboard that spotlights what you’re looking for.  It just might create a conversation, especially if what you’re searching for is obscure and/or rare. 

*While parts hauling and taxi service are free, donations are graciously accepted.  Donated money goes directly to the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation.