Back to list April 23, 2015 April Found It Spotlight: Carlisle Events Economic Impact of Carlisle Car Shows – Since 1974, Carlisle Events has been hosting collector car, truck and motorcycle events on the 150-acre Carlisle Fairgrounds in Cumberland Valley. These family-friendly shows feature something for everyone including special vehicle displays, part vendors, burnout contests, vehicle giveaways, beauty contests, demonstrations, stunt shows, live music, special guest appearances, industry professionals, Women’s Oasis, kid’s activities and more. Nine shows are held at the fairgrounds each year and have a substantial impact on our local economy. The estimated annual direct and indirect economic impact of Carlisle Events is 98 million with 67% of attendees spending money on lodging, 82% on restaurants, 38% on shopping and 14% on other attractions. These visitors are not just local either, 65% of car show attendees travel 100-500 miles to attend a show. Photo Credit: The Sentinel Lear/IAC Property Update – Carlisle Events purchased the former Lear/IAC property in Carlisle in 2010. Clean-up and construction at the site has been ongoing since then. A fire in May 2012 destroyed two buildings at the plant and generated a lot of interest from the community on the future plans for the site. Carlisle Events shared that currently clean-up is ongoing and with the winter weather behind us, should move forward nicely in the coming weeks and months. By mid-summer they hope to see the concrete crushed and the goal would be for the lot to look similar to what the former Tire and Wheel lot looks like at this time. That being just a flat bed of gravel. This will help prepare all involved for the next steps in the process. Carlisle Events has been working with the Borough of Carlisle to decide the future of the property, with a current plan for a mix of commercial and residential use.