by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
No doubt there would have been plenty of silver all around the Carlisle, Pa., fairgrounds this July to mark PA Jeeps All Breeds Jeep Show’s 25th anniversary.
But unfortunately for the organization, and legions of Jeep enthusiasts ready to make the journey to Carlisle, the show won’t go on this July.
Like many other Jeep events around the country so far this year, the PA Jeeps All Breeds Jeep Show has been canceled because of coronavirus concerns.
PA Jeeps President Wayne Fish Wednesday made the announcement in a letter posted on the group’s website and social media pages.
”We understand the disappointment that this announcement brings, this is the first time in the 25-year history of the show that we have had to make such a decision,” Fish wrote. “However, based upon current information, it is virtually impossible to predict future social distancing guidelines when running a large event such as the All Breeds Jeep Show.
”We are aware that many of you travel a long distance for our show and by making the decision now we hope it will enable you to adapt your plans for the summer.”
The event had been scheduled for July 18-19, and was set to move into the Carlisle Fairgrounds this year after spending numerous summers at the York (Pa.) Fairgrounds.
Fish said in his letter that all current All Breeds show registrations will transfer to the 2021 event, scheduled for July 24-25 at Carlisle. However, anyone wishing for a refund can email the group at [email protected] by June 13 and request a full event refund.
Craig Jaros, Quadratec Outside Events Coordinator, said a July without the PA Jeeps All Breeds Jeep Show will be difficult, but it was the right decision. He also said the group may have something in the works for later this summer. Quadratec has been a longtime premier sponsor for the All Breeds Show.
”You have a lot of people coming from all over for this event and it is one of the busiest ones of the season,” Jaros said. “So from a social distancing perspective it would have been a tough thing to monitor. When in doubt you always need to err on the side of caution, and I know that’s how this decision was made.
”We’ll certainly miss seeing everyone in July, but stay tuned as this may not be the last you’ll hear about PA Jeeps this summer.”
The event’s closure marks another in a long line of shows this year either outright canceled or postponed. These include popular ones such as Easter Jeep Safari (canceled), Daytona Jeep Beach (postponed until Sept. 11-13), Bantam (canceled), New Jersey Jeep Invasion (canceled), Toledo Jeep Fest (canceled), along with a host of others across the country.
