Carlisle Truck Nationals Weekend Sets NEW Showfield Record for the FOURTH Straight Year

November 2024

CARLISLE, PA…  Anyone who’s ever gone to a large-scale event where there’s guaranteed fun to be had can relate to spending three days at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds for the biggest all-truck-themed event in the region; the Carlisle Truck Nationals and Big Rig Show and Shine.  This year’s truck showcase (August 2-4) hit the 2,880 truck mark, meaning for the fourth consecutive year, the event set a NEW Showfield record for registered trucks.  That milestone continues a growth trend for a show that’s more than doubled in size over the past ten years.  Along the way, truck lovers of all ages hauled in with high hopes and rolled out with memories to last a lifetime.

Gates opened at 7 AM daily and offered countless smiles per hour from start to finish each day.  Guests were treated to four monster truck shows with Brutus and Avenger, a pair of Freestyle FMX stunt shows, monster truck rides, truck competitions, displays, and fun for the kids.  Kids fun included Oxford Power Wheels racing, kids bingo, a kids cash grab, free goody bag for kids 12 and under, the ability for kids to help pick an award-winning truck in Building T, and the overall experience of seeing their toy box come to life right before their very eyes!

As special displays go, 2024 showcased some amazing SyTys in Building Y.  The anchor trucks to the group included one that was dubbed the world’s fastest truck along with another that raced to the top of Pikes Peak.  Not far from Building Y were the pavilion and Building T.  Under the pavilion roof and neighboring tents were dozens of amazing works of art; cool custom vans that made up Vanarama.  From a mini Mystery Machine to one with a hockey theme, another adorned in Alice in Wonderland art, fantasy art, and more, this area always draws a crowd.  Finally, Building T hosted a Featured Truck Display filled with a variety of trucks, including antique Fire Trucks presented by the Old Fire Farts of York County and antique Trucks presented by the American Truck Historical Society.

Antique fire trucks weren’t the only rides from a bygone era.  As part of the rapidly growing Big Rig Show and Shine, supported by Bergey’s Truck Center and Kenworth of PA, the American Truck Historical Society brought antique rigs to Carlisle.  Those trucks perfectly complimented the nearly 250 rigs on the south side of the grounds.  There were dump trucks, haulers with tractors on the back, trucks pulling trucks, cement mixers, tow trucks, and more.  Carlisle truly has become a great overnight destination for truckers rolling through central PA and for those who are passionate about showing their heavy hauler.

Other great aspects of the event were the Redneck Games hosted by local radio station Red 102.3, the National Parts Depot judged Showfield, and contests like the high truck challenge, low truck limbo, drop and drag, and rolling burnout contest.  Plus, the fairgrounds came to life on Saturday night with the popular Big Rig glow show.  

The weekend wrapped up with a pair of awards parades and one final monster truck show, perfectly setting the table for next year and the continued pursuit of 3,000 trucks.  

Speaking of next year, while 2024 is a wrap, plans are underway for 2025.  Save the dates, because the Carlisle Truck Nationals return August 1-3.  Get ready for another great weekend of all things truck and edge-of-your-seat family fun!  Learn more about the continuation of the Carlisle Events 50th Anniversary season and make your plans at CarlisleEvents.com