I have never been to the mopar show at Carlisle. I used to be a participant/vendor at the annual Porsche Swap Meet in nearby Hershey for a number of years. The past 5 or 6 years I have not even gone, and really haven't missed it. It was exciting to look forward too, but I tired of going through all the machinations of preparation. I would typically sell enough to cover my expenses, not much more. I did much better selling on ebay.
These kinds of shows are self sustaining. More so nowadays the state/town get more involved due to limited budgets. More police presence to control the massive traffic, public safety is going to cost someone. These guys arent going to work it from the goodness of their hearts. This is where I see the state/town asking for taxes. Lets face it...the event promoter isnt free either. If they werent making money, there would be no show. Now, lets brush on vendors space/stalls. Before the show at Hershey was over, many of the "choice" spaces were already reserved with full payment. If you didnt care where you set up your stuff, you could put it off 6 to 8 months. After that you ran the risk of not getting a spot.
From what I see from this post is that there have been some minor changes. I do not see where these harm the show, but help sustain it. These shows are free enterprise at its best. You decide the price for your goods. You can haggle if you wish, or hold out for your asking price.
None of us likes change to our established traditions, but if it is the choice between change or no more show...which way would you vote ?
I would love to do Carlisle someday, and I will !
P.S. A bottle of water is around 3 bucks at any event. Just be glad it isnt you who has to schlep all that water and ice. Just the thought of it makes my back hurt.
