First Time to Hershey

[Bruce Amacker]

Hey Guys:

I'll be going to the Hershey show for the first time next week and could use some pointers. We're staying in Harrisburg (I made the reservations months ago and that's the closest I could get at a reasonable price!), arriving Wednesday and departing Friday. We're thinking about "Night at the Museum" Wednesday night as it sounds interesting.

I've been to the Carlisle show a bunch of times and expect this to be similar but more older antique oriented. I'm thinking this is a giant old iron swap meet but could use pointers about where to park, where to enter, and any tips from people who have been there a few times.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[jwhcars]

From Harrisburg take rte 422/rte 322 east to rte 39 ( Hershey park drive ). There will be signage as to where you can park.

If you are on the north side of Harrisburg go east on rte 81 and then take rte39 south and you will end up at the show.

 

[kb2tha]

The parking at Hershey is the pits. Usually across the highway in a large open field. If you can get to park near where one of the entry gates is, it would be best. You likely won't have a choice as they direct you where to park your car. Have found that large purchases are best left with the vendor until you are ready to leave for the day.

On the other hand, at Carlisle we always park in the gentleman's yard directly across from gate 3. this allows us to return easily to the car several times to drop off purchases, get food, rest, etc. Well worth the $10 to park so close.

Usually 5-6 of us attend Carlisle for two days and split the hotel cost. even with that we stay north enough of Carlisle that the rates aren't inflated as they are closer to the event.

The weather is looking very promising for the week at Hershey. 0% rain and mid to upper 60's. I'd take that year round.

Most of all, have fun.
Ken

 

[kuhner]

Bruce,
If you are into anything auto related you will love it.
Plan on getting there early, no later than 9AM, eat a decent breakfast before you get there. Hershey is divided into 4 different areas, plan on covering about 1.5 or so per day. On the way in stop at a Hershey AACA region tent and get a program, it has a map of the whole field and a directory of all vendors and what they sell, comes in handy. The car coral is huge, it is a show in itself, you can spend a big part of the day just there.
Plan on walking the whole day, till 5 PM. Usually by the time you get back to the hotel all you'll want is a meal and a couple beers. If you are buying, bring a little wagon or something to haul your parts. You can throw a cooler and some snacks in the wagon as well.
They have the race cars at 11AM on Friday at the stadium, AACA rules say the race cars must move to be shown, this is when they do it. They also have the high wheeler race about that time interesting to see.
There are only a couple places to cross the highway from the parking lot so use your head when you park and where you start - finish your walking, helps at the end of the day.
If you can I would also staying at least a little Saturday to check out the show, its worth it.

greg

 

[camarotoolman]

The auction in the giant center in the evening is cool too. #2 on the wagon, folding chair to rest on, pack food and drinks to save money and time.

 

[oldgoaly]

go on tuesday, check out the good places to park, it used to be between 25-27 miles up and down the aisles. so saving yourself some steps to parking stop. walking Hershey for 20 years wore out my knees and hips. take a wagon with drinks, rain coats, food. I got cussed many times for being the ******* for starting the wagon trend. Mine was green stake bed w/ wheel barrow wheels, a flag pole so I could find it, a a long sheppard's hook handle spring mounted so I did not have to bend over to pick it up. 1st broke it the mud, might of had something to do with 3 lathes and 2 sets of wire wheels in it. I put a spare on it, we wore the 1st set of tires out, even with tubes.

 

[brihvac]

I cant stand Hershey. I like modified cars and everything at Hershey is stock. Just got back from Carlisle today.

 

[Bruce Amacker]

I like stock cars and hate modified cars.

 

[brihvac]

Anyone can restore a car to stock. A real challange is chopping tops, shaving, sub framing, custom painting, etc. I have restored/built many cars, and motorcycles, both ways. Going stock is boring. I like a challange and my car to be different than any others. To each their own.

 

[nosnerd]

well there ya go.......

 

[GRX]

Hey Guys:

I'll be going to the Hershey show for the first time next week and could use some pointers.

So how did you like your first AACA Hershey show? I try to go every year and was there last friday. A picture thread is coming soon.