For more than 25 years, Auto Mania has taken place at the Allentown Fairgrounds in eastern Pennsylvania. After a one-year COVID related hiatus, Pennsylvania’s largest indoor/heated automotive flea market returned for three great days of buying and selling all things automotive. Mother nature even cooperated during show hours as January 14-16 became more than just a three-day weekend for some, it became an escape from being indoors and a reconnect of sorts for car enthusiasts who haven’t seen each other in quite some time. That enthusiasm showed, as guests were lined up more than an hour in advance of the doors opening at 12 p.m. on day one.
Temps were cool outside, but that didn’t stop those at the event from enjoying the weekend and an event that has three footprints, including two halls indoors and an outdoor vendor area too. With guests shopping indoors and out, the first date on the 2022 Carlisle Events season schedule was a great starting point for those looking to pick up automotive pieces and parts, restoration items, collectibles, merchandise, memorabilia, and more.
For anyone at the event that thought Friday was busy, they had not seen anything yet. When the doors opened Saturday, there were again lines to gain access to the show. Once inside, the guests were shoulder to shoulder and aisles were packed with enthusiasts. Saturday’s turnout, combined with the one from Friday, reminded everyone that Auto Mania was indeed back!
With guests onsite from New York, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other neighboring states, the energy was palpable. Not only was the main floor footprint hopping, the adjacent hall with body kits, classic cars for sale, shirts, banners and other automotive themed pieces and parts further powered the weekend.
Sunday helped wrap the weekend and although it was an active show day, it ultimately was the day for vendors to pack up and load out. Guests that came had one final shot at deals within the swap meet and one last chance to connect with old friends before saying goodbye until “the next time.”
Speaking of the next time, Carlisle Events' next offering is at its home base, Carlisle, Pennsylvania with the all-new Winter Carlisle Auto Expo (January 28-29) at the Carlisle Expo Center. The event is similar to Auto Mania, while also offering central Pennsylvania locals a chance to further winter projects and prepare for the spring car show season. Parking is free for buyers and sellers and attended admission is $10 (cheaper if purchased in advance online). A complete rundown of this event and others that follow it are available online via the Carlisle Events’ web page; www.CarlisleEvents.com.