– by Brad Nauss
The sun reflected brightly off of approximately 40 Citroëns as they sat proudly on the Import and Kit Car Nationals “fun show field” early in May. Their owners had brought out what was the most varied assortment of Citroëns seen at the Carlisle, PA meet ever.
View the full photo gallery here
The weekend began with a few people and cars arriving on Thursday. By Friday, many more had arrived. Friday night, approximately 35 French car lovers met at the Silver Springs Diner in Mechanicsburg for a great evening of fellowship and good food.
Even though those attending did not think it possible, Saturday’s weather was even nicer than Friday’s, as even more people arrived. For Citroen owners, the fact that there were 40 examples of a marque which has not been officially imported to the USA since 1973, was a testament to the cars and the people who own them. The Citroëns were part of approximately 1,100 cars on the fun show field that weekend.
People’s Choice judging was held during the afternoon, with an effort made to get those who did not own Citroëns to participate in the judging also. The Citroëns at Carlisle welcome tent was an oasis, with chairs to rest on, and became THE place to get out of the sun, enjoy a cold water, and talk “Citroën”.
At 3 PM, a seminar was held in the main seminar tent. Martin Gambony, with his Dyane, and Marvin McFalls from the Renault Owners Club of North America, with a Renault 5 “Le Car” presented an informative discussion and demonstration of the two cars…..each of which were in direct competition in France at the time of their production.
Saturday evening, approximately 80 French car lovers and friends descended upon Mayapple Golf Course and Fiddler’s Restaurant pavilion and had a wonderful evening together. Our host, Citroën owner George Lois, provided a wonderful venue for an evening of friendship and enjoyment. Following a wonderful buffet dinner, the People’s Choice Awards were presented, the silent auction winners were announced, and door prizes were awarded to all.
Sunday morning, approximately 30 met at Café 101 in Boiling Springs. We enjoyed a great breakfast on the deck, followed by some time walking around the quaint little town. Everyone enjoyed seeing the “bubble”, the largest natural spring most had ever seen. After a group photo, a small group of cars participated in a tour of the countryside, making a stop at a local covered bridge, then proceeded back to the fairgrounds in Carlisle.
Several Citroën owners and their cars were part of Carlisle Events awards presentations later in the afternoon.
After a wonderful weekend in Central Pennsylvania, everyone made their ways home…..with their next adventure set to be the Citroen Rendezvous in NY.
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Winners of the People’s Choice Awards:
1) Best early D series. Dan Burke
2) Best late D series. Peter Bandy
3) Best Deux Chevau sedan. Turner Smith
4) Best A series Truckette. Judy Reiter
5) Best Ami. Phillippe Desjardins
6) Best Dyane. Martin Gambony
7) Best series one CX. Ariel Robinson
8) Best series two CX. Louis Bevier
9) Best SM. Mark Adams
10) Best XM , none present
11) Best GS. Dale Martin
12) Best Traction Avant 11cv Brad Nauss
13) Best Traction Avant 15cv, none present
14) Best Citroen, Special Category Christopher Meccia
15) Best French car that is not a Citroen Jim Schlick
16) Best of show. Peter Bandy (late D series)