Carlisle Events
CARLISLE, PA – How do you engage the next generation of automotive enthusiasts in the car hobby? This question has been asked for decades. A simple answer: give them tools and let them create. For select students in the SUN Technical Institute (New Berlin, PA) Collision Repair Technology, this means an opportunity to design, build, and ultimately raise money for their school and program.
Carlisle Events
Since late 2024, SUN students have been transforming pedal cars into works of art. Their goal: build, display, and auction them at the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction, April 24–25, at the Carlisle Expo Center. Seven teams of two collaborated to craft these masterpieces. Four teams designed 1955 Chevys, and three created Ford Roadsters. While the cars started as basic kits, each team developed unique concepts, executed bodywork, prepared and painted the cars, and delivered unique presentations ahead of the auction.
This experience extends beyond the classroom. Once completed, the cars will be prominently displayed at the AACA Museum, Inc., in Hershey for two months before moving to the Carlisle event. The museum will host the students and their creations starting in late February.
During the Spring Carlisle event, held April 23–27 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, the pedal cars will take center stage at the auction. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to SUN Technical Institute’s automotive program, courtesy of Carlisle Auctions.
In addition to the auction, SUN students and their instructor, John Reeder, will explore the automotive flea market at the fairgrounds, which hosts 8,100 vendor spaces filled with millions of car parts and collectibles. The immersive experience draws nearly 100,000 automotive enthusiasts from around the world.
The journey has been documented by Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions on social media through photos and videos. The Carlisle team also visited SUN Technical Institute to capture the students’ progress firsthand.
“One of our team’s priorities is keeping the car hobby alive for future generations,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations. “This means investing in youth and sharing our passion with them. When Mr. Reeder proposed his idea, we were thrilled to support it. Our newest team member, Jason Ramey, spearheaded this partnership with Mr. Reeder. What began as a small initiative has grown significantly, involving students beyond Mr. Reeder’s class. We couldn’t be more proud and hope this experience creates lasting memories for the students,” added Cline.
Collision Repair Technology Instructor John Reeder expressed his gratitude: “The students and I are thrilled to partner with Carlisle Auctions on this fundraising project. I reached out with a small idea, and their team has taken it to a whole new level. In fact, it’s been so popular at the school that students from outside of my collision repair class have been able to participate and support us too. We’re excited about the direction this project is heading.”
Gates for Spring Carlisle driven by Hemmings open at 7 AM daily, with auctions starting at 12 PM on April 24–25. For event details, tickets, and more, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855. Auction information is available at CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.
Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of over a dozen annual collector car/truck events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA), and the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus (Lakeland, FL). The season schedule includes automotive flea markets of varying sizes, multiple auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, imports, tuners, and performance sport compacts. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.
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