Cars bring people together!  It doesn’t matter if it’s a large-scale car show, parking lot cruise in, or a drive down Main Street U.S.A., when automotive art is present, people pay attention.  For 2021, Carlisle Events is proud to share that in conjunction with the Downtown Carlisle Association, two marquee events return to the main streets of America’s Automotive Hometown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 

Those events; the Ford Parade and Street Party and Chip Miller Memorial Corvette Parade happen June 5 and August 28 at 7 p.m. respectively and are back after a one-year COVID hiatus.  Parades in 2021 are presented by M&T Bank.  The premise of both see registered participants from the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s and Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive cruise from the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds into the streets and square of downtown Carlisle.  The best spots for parade viewing are from the intersection of Carlisle Springs Rd./Route 34 and North Hanover St. through downtown and along Main St. near the Courthouse.  From there, parade participants park, while the community mixes and mingles with them and their show cars.

In addition, bringing cars and people into the downtown area has historically been an economic boom for the businesses that line North Hanover St., Pomfret St. and High St.  Part of the mixing and mingling process means shopping in stores that may not otherwise be open later on a Saturday or checking out a restaurant that might not be a common stop for those who attend.  The parades are also a large fundraising source for the DCA itself, so much so that after years of hosting the Corvette parade (launched in 1988), the Ford parade commenced in 2011.  Each have occurred annually since (other than 2020).

“The Downtown Carlisle Association/LoveCarlisle is happy to have these parades returning to our wonderful downtown again,” noted DCA President Glenn White.  “This partnership brings millions of dollars into downtown every year and it shows commitment from our regional stakeholders, like Bill Miller and Lance Miller of Carlisle Events who champion support in the community annually,” continued White.  “This is a time where you can see great American engineering and re-live personal memories through these great cars in a historic downtown.  Come down early and stay late!  Sip, shop and stroll to visit your favorite store or explore a new restaurant.  Plus enjoy the sounds of downtown and this amazing tradition that has become an annual part of the downtown.  These are all reasons why you will LoveCarlisle!”

Parade registration is an available add-on when registering for the respective events online at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.  Parade fees go directly to the DCA, who will also be on-site during Ford and Corvette weekend to sign guests up in person, while slots remain.  The Carlisle Ford Nationals run June 4-6, while Corvettes at Carlisle runs August 26-28.  Complete details about both events are available via the aforementioned web page.