When the calendar flipped from 2016 to 2017, the Carlisle Events web page began a brief three week countdown until the first event of the year. That event, Auto Mania at the Allentown Fairgrounds, has come and gone and the power of heat in the middle of winter, combined with the passion of thousands of automotive enthusiasts helped once again to make this event PA’s biggest and best indoor, heated swap meet.

From the time the gates opened at noon on January 20 through final load out on Sunday, January 22, the Ag Hall complex was packed. Between the automotive and collectible items for sale and the neighboring farmer’s market, everyone was treated, in one way or another, to a deal at every turn. From toy trains to vintage signs, classic cars, an Amish prayer buggy, traffic lights, emblems and more, Auto Mania offered the perfect cure for every ailing car guy (and gal) who was sick of the winter temps. For an event that doesn’t officially have a car corral, even that feature was bustling. One vendor had such a great weekend that he flipped two cars Friday, then came back the next day with even more inventory.

Saturday was THE day for Auto Mania. Gone was the distraction of a presidential inauguration, the chance for any adverse weather and any real excuse as to why one would not attend the event. Given the full day of fun, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday drew guests from far and wide. New York, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other neighboring states were represented and 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 was too. Even the outside vending space was busy, with this year’s footprint two, maybe even three times bigger than in years past. In fact, demand was such that every available space, indoors and out was spoken for.

Sunday helped wrap the weekend and 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 comes in one month as staff travel to Lakeland, Florida for Winter Florida AutoFest. That event runs February 23-25 and hosts not only a swap meet and car corral, but a two-day collector car auction AND car show too. There’s unique displays, Air & Coach Concours and more. The auction boasts Carlisle's exciting FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee as well as other great conveniences related to being part of a Carlisle Auction. A complete rundown of this event and others that follow it are available online via the Carlisle Events’ web page; www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Supply and demand is a powerful dynamic and for 2017, Carlisle Auctions is reacting to the demand by upping its supply. As part of this year’s schedule, the Carlisle Auction team is expanding its auction events at Spring and Fall Carlisle. Instead of two-day auctions running Thursday and Friday, the new format offers auction excitement at the Carlisle Expo Center on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. With the expansion, Carlisle Auctions will professionally showcase even more cars, more people and more excitement.

Spring Carlisle itself runs April 19-23 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and its auction offering, powered by Carlisle Auctions, takes place April 20-22. In addition, Fall Carlisle spans September 27-October 1, while the auction is September 28-30. Both Carlisle-based auctions take place at the Carlisle Expo Center, located at 100 K St. in Carlisle, just one block west of the fairgrounds.

The ALL-NEW three-day format means that cars and collectibles will still cross the block starting at approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, but with the added third day, Saturday of auction weekend will also feature available lots. The Saturday auction commences at 10 a.m. With the added day, more cars will be consigned too. Additional consignments also make for an overall better quality event, which in turn, affords the chance for even more bidders to come to the table. Best of all, it’s done via Carlisle Auctions FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee.

“We are thrilled to be expanding to a three-day format for our upcoming Spring Carlisle Auction,” said Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline. “Fall Carlisle 2016 was our most successful auction ever in quality of consignment, volume and bidder registration. Because of that, we now feel it is the perfect time to move forward with expanded offerings.”

Carlisle Auctions 2017 campaign kicks off in February with a two-day auction in Lakeland, Florida as part of Winter AutoFest. The Spring and Fall events are on the horizon and the auction team is currently accepting consignments for those events. Finally, the auction season concludes in November with a return to Lakeland for Fall AutoFest. This event, much like its sister show in February is a two-day auction. Complete details on Carlisle Auctions can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.

In 2005, for the 2006 model year, Honda introduced the Ridgeline to give Honda automobile owners a chance to also own a truck under the badge. It was created, not as a traditional truck, but as a crossover sports-utility truck, or SUT, Production on that first generation ended in 2014, but Ridgeline is back for 2017 as an innovative midsize pickup truck. Ridgeline has been redesigned from the ground up to offer both recreational and work users a higher degree of utility and versatility in a modern, rugged and sophisticated midsize pickup.

Based on Honda's Global Light Truck platform -- with its highly rigid, aerodynamic and tightly sealed unitized body construction, Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ safety body structure, and fully independent front and rear suspension systems with Amplitude Reactive Dampers – the 2017 Honda Ridgeline has been named the 2017 North American Truck of the Year at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit (chosen by more than 60 automotive journalists). Ridgeline has also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, when equipped with available front crash prevention system and LED headlights. Ridgeline is the first and only pickup to earn that rating.

The all-new 2017 Ridgeline sports a sleek, sophisticated and rugged exterior design, incorporating new premium features including standard LED taillights, and available features such as LED projector headlights and LED daytime running lights. The Second-Generation truck gained 3.2 inches in wheelbase over Gen-1 and now sits at 125.2 inches. This year’s model is also 3.1 inches longer at 210 inches, 0.5 inches higher at 70.8 inches in AWD configuration, and 0.8 inches wider at 78.6 inches. The bed length is 3.9 inches longer at 64 inches, yet with the size gains, curbweight is down for AWD by 73 lbs. to 4431 lbs.

The redesign retains the features and capabilities from the first generation, but with more traditional truck styling, advanced safety features and modern electronic amenities.

Powering the 2017 Ridgeline is a new 3.5-liter direct injected i-VTEC® 24-valve SOHC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ cylinder deactivation technology. The new engine is mated to an innovative smooth shifting 6-speed automatic that offers a 20 percent wider gear ratio spread than the previous-generation Ridgeline 5-speed automatic, for enhanced acceleration, pulling power and fuel efficiency. The Ridgeline's new engine is rated at 280 peak horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. peak torque. Peak engine output is up 30 horsepower and 15 lb.-ft. of torque over the previous Ridgeline, with increased torque over the engine's entire operating (rpm) range.

AWD fuel economy is EPA rated at 18/city, 25/highway and 21mpg/combined on regular unleaded fuel. A week of testing over snow, ice and occasionally dry roads and highways, as well as some soft-road activities, yielded an average of 20.3mpg.

Behind the wheel, steering was attentive and carlike on long straights and weaving corners, with very little body-lean. Acceleration from the six-speed automatic transmission was smooth and predictable, and track runs proved solid for a mid-size truck or SUT at 7 seconds flat for a zero-to-60mph sprint and 15.6 seconds for a quarter-mile.

The four-wheel independent suspension was supple over highway irregularities and worked well with an advanced traction management system to conquer snow and soft-road obstacles.

The new interior combines premium quality, convenience and user-friendly technology in a roomy, versatile package. With seating for five, sightlines are good and interior space is accommodating at 40.1 inches of front headroom and 38.8 in the rear; legroom affords 40.9 inches up front and 36.7 for rear seats and shoulder room comes in at 62.0 and 61.5 inches.

Ridgeline’s cabin features such available amenities as one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature; LED interior ambient lighting; Smart Entry and pushbutton start; heated front seats and steering wheel; reconfigurable rear seat; 8-inch touchscreen display audio system with Android operating system; Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto; new-generation "2.0/3.0" SiriusXM® Radio; Pandora® compatibility; SMS Text Message function and HondaLink™ connected-car system.

Key safety and driver-assistive features include Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design, Vehicle Stability Assist™ with Traction Control, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering, Brake Assist, advanced 4-channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Tire Fill Assist, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, parking sensors, Honda LaneWatch™, Blind Spot Information, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and much more.

With seven trims offered, the base 4-door Crew Cab 2017 Honda Ridgeline RT starts at $29,475 in 2WD automatic. The AWD automatic version (and I nearly always recommend to go AWD or 4WD) adds $1900. Cool bodyside molding added $225 and silver roof rail crossbars added $225. Door visors added $275; an expanded view mirror added $44; door edge guards added $105; fog lights added $400; running boards added $625 and splash guards added $116 for front and rear. Inside, all-season floor mats added $169 and automatic dimming mirror added $142. Three electronic additions were back-up sensors for $500, remote engine start for $99 and a CD player for $310. With destination and handling charges of $940, my 2017 Honda Ridgeline as tested was priced at $36,075.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

The 2017 season is right around the corner for Carlisle Events and as the new year commences, one thing is certain; the automotive excitement at Carlisle will be bigger and better than ever. That statement has never been truer than with the Carlisle Ford Nationals. This annual early June show packs in over 50,000 guests and over 3,000 show cars, plus it showcases 100+ years of Ford history. All-new for 2017, the Carlisle Ford Nationals will be presented by Meguiar’s.

Meguiar’s is a car care products company based in California that has been long time supporters of Carlisle Events and all of its shows for more than 20 years. Annually positioned on the Manufacturers Midway, the Meguiar’s display rig has what’s considered by most to be a permanent spot on the grounds; almost as permanent as the grandstand, stage and showfield that surround it. The rig, flanked by amazing show cars, showcases some of the finest car care products on the planet and with their enhanced involvement in 2017 at the Carlisle Ford Nationals, the footprint and involvement will be bigger and better than ever.

“Meguiar’s is proud to partner with Carlisle Events for the Ford Nationals in 2017,” said Manager, Event Marketing and Motorsports, Tony D’Amato. “We trust Carlisle to produce an event that our brand is proud to be associated with and we also believe that this partnership can strengthen an already thriving event.,” continued D’Amato. “Meguiar’s is looking forward to this wonderful and exciting event.”

“Meguiar’s is one of the preeminent brands in the car world,” added Jim Vinarski, Director of Business and Event Development for Carlisle Events. “They have a full line of high quality products designed to help car enthusiasts pursue their passion. We consider it an honor that Meguiar’s has chosen our Ford Nationals to partner with and support the thousands of automotive enthusiasts who will come to the show in June,” concluded Vinarski.

The 2017 Carlisle Ford Nationals plan to shatter last year’s mark of registered cars with continued and unmatched representation from Ford at the show, the annual downtown parade and street party, a special 50th Anniversary showcase of the GT500 as well as the Cougar and a 100-year display of the elegant Lincoln. The Cougar display plays host to the first-ever Cougar produced and decades of Lincolns will adorn the grounds too. Combine that with every other car and truck on the grounds and guest will find themselves immersed in automotive history – over 100 acres of it. There is a burnout contest, FREE test drives from Ford, a beauty contest, autocross, a massive swap meet, car corral, parts installs and so much more; all starting June 2.

Carlisle opens its season January 20 with a three-day indoor swap meet in Allentown, Pennsylvania followed by a four-day extravaganza in Lakeland, Florida. The “home based” schedule commences with Spring Carlisle on April 19 and the Meguiar’s backed Carlisle Ford Nationals run June 2-4. Complete Ford Nationals and Carlisle Events season details, including links to buy event tickets, weekend or season passes or register for the showfield are available online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Country music frequently sings about trucks and some very popular athletes and TV personalities have taken turns promoting the benefits of driving and owning a truck. Why? Because trucks help make the country go round. There’s a rugged impression of truck owners and who doesn’t love, as one time Ford pitch man Toby Keith sang about, a “Big Ol Truck?” For 2017, multiple truck brands are celebrating 100 years, but only one of those brands will be showcased at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s AND Carlisle Truck Nationals. From June 2-4 and again from August 4-6, Carlisle Events presents 100 years of the Ford Truck.

It all starts in June with the Carlisle Ford Nationals. This event historically hosts over 50,000 guests and some 3,000+ Fords spanning automotive production. Nearly 40% of the field boasts the Mustang, but the remainder is a wide mix of all things Ford and this year, the remaining 60% will have an increased focus on the Ford Truck. A special invitational display is planned, where truck owners will be showcased and be eligible for special awards too. Ford weekend also welcomes trucks to participate in the always popular burnout and downtown parade and street party. With 100 years of history available the anticipated showcase should be vast.

Two months after the trucks depart Ford weekend, many more return for the Carlisle Truck Nationals. Truck weekend is August 4-6 and hosts over 2,000 trucks, including custom vans, haulers, big rigs and more. The Ford honors continue at the truck show with similar, yet different invitational displays featuring Ford trucks. You can expect to see Ford trucks represented throughout the event to include the manufacture midway, monster trucks shows, rides and from enthusiast clubs around the field. The event also features truck specific competitions including drop and drag, burnouts, low truck limbo and a high truck contest.

Together, both shows will focus on thousands of trucks spanning a century of production. Plans are in the works for truck specific guests, engineers, seminars, installs, product showcases and more.

“This will be a spectacular showcase of all things Ford Truck at Carlisle in 2017,” noted Ed Scholly, event manager of the Carlisle Truck Nationals. “Trucks of all sizes help move America and the Ford brand has historically produced some of the most reliable and unique trucks ever. The combination of Ford’s elegance and the love of the truck will make these two events something to experience in person.”

Registration is ongoing now for the Carlisle Ford Nationals and Carlisle Truck Nationals. In addition, special showfield discounts are available through the Gate-N-Go deadline and there is even an additional savings via multiple show and multi vehicle registrations too, so Ford truck owners can join us for both events. For Ford Nationals weekend, the Gate-N-Go deadline is May 1, while Truck Nationals discounts run through July 3. Online ticketing is also available for anyone looking to secure a day or weekend pass in advance of the shows. Complete information is available now at www.CarlisleEvents.com.