Record Setting Weekend Powers 2014 Bloomsburg Nationals
Annual Event in North Central Pennsylvania Draws Thousands
BLOOMSBURG, PA - The best laid plans as part of any collector car weekend are for not if the weather does not cooperate. With the 2014 Bloomsburg Nationals presented by PPG, not only did it do that, but Mother Nature delivered one of the best August weekends in recent history for Carlisle Events. The annual offering in Columbia County hosted an amazing array of collector cars, a nearly sold out swap meet area, car corral, great activities, cash-based scavenger hunt and family fun. In all, the event topped all previous totals at Bloomsburg and has set the table nicely for events at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds for years to come.
Weekend excitement started on Thursday evening with a kick-off party at Quaker Steak and Lube which also included a car cruise-in. A few dozen cars positioned themselves around the restaurants’ parking lot while patrons and enthusiasts alike spent time dining, enjoying live music and checking out the cool cars.
Back on grounds, campers were in place and vendors were set as the show cars began to roll onsite. The invitational display in 2014 welcomed a nice array of cars, including some Corvettes, Hudsons and Ford-branded rides just to name a few. With hot cars inside, the outside action was just as exciting. Bloomsburg is primarily a hot rod show, but as the event has progressed with Carlisle Events’ backing, more of a mix can be seen on the Fun Field. One of the most popular cars was a 1931 Chevy barn find, literally pulled out of mothballs within the past two weeks after being in storage for 60+ years.
In addition to the amazing classics and cool custom rides, automotive competition abounded with a burnout contest, teeter totter, slow drags, muffler rap, a demolition derby backed by JM Productions and even flame throwing. Kids and families had fun too with live music from Autumn’s Golden Oldies and Flamin’ Dick and the Hot Rods, a kids’ activity area, wing eating, wild life shows with Bwana Jim, the Women’s Oasis and even one particular food vendor kept the guests happy as he donned various costumes and showcased not only his products, but also his unique sense of humor.
Another very popular weekend draw was a money giveaway supported by Carlisle Events and the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau. In total, 35 envelopes were hidden between the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds and downtown Bloomsburg and via social media, participants made the mad dash for cash for three straight days. Most, if not all, were found and everyone who played had a great time.
The weekend wrapped with a Sunday awards parade as many car owners cruised through the Quaker Steak and Lube Stage area to claim a plaque awarded to them by dozens of celebrities (local dignitaries, media, etc.) that were onsite Saturday for a special luncheon and mid-day festivities.
As this year’s show concluded, plans for next year were already underway. Enthusiasts are encouraged to save the date because the 2015 Bloomsburg Nationals will take place August 14-16 once again at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.
About Carlisle Events: Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of 14 annual collector car, truck and outdoor-themed events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Bloomsburg Fairgrounds (Bloomsburg, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA) and Festival Park (Zephyrhills, FL). The season schedule hosts a sports and outdoors event, five automotive swap meets of varying size, four auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, imports and kit cars and tuner and modern customs. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract more than a half a million enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available via www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com
Photo Credit: Chris Hann, Carlisle Events