2006 All Ford Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania

2006 ALL FORD NATIONALS
CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA
JUNE 2-4, 2006

For the last six years, The North American Turbocoupe Organization (NATO)has participated in the All Ford Nationals Show that is held each year at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Although our participation was somewhat limited in the beginning, each year it has grown so that NATO is now one of the major participating Thunderbird clubs. In 2005, there were approximately 35 Turbocoupes present at the show with the majority of them being NATO member's cars.
If you are not familiar with the Carlisle Show, it is a gathering of Ford enthusiasts on an international level and is considered the premier Ford Show in the United States. It is held every year at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, approximately 25 miles west of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. At the show you will be able to find all types and years of Ford and Mercury vehicles on display along with vendors and general parts suppliers. There are numerous activities and events held in conjunction with the show including kid's games, seminars, activities for the ladies, model car display, a car giveaway, and other assorted activities. In 2005, they added a cook off and a trivia contest. Each year the number of participants is greater and greater, insuring that this show produces the greatest number and variety of Ford and Mercury vehicles collected in one place.
The All Ford Nationals for 2005 had a special meaning for Thunderbird owners in that the 50th Anniversary of the Thunderbird was celebrated on the Fun Field and in the special display buildings. Also in 2005 there was a special car show on Friday night at Family Ford and Mercury in Carlisle featuring Thunderbirds and the sponsors have promised to make this an annual event in conjunction with the All Ford Nationals. NATO was an active participant in the show and if this event is an annual affair, NATO will continue to participate.
Although this is billed as a show, judging is done by the participants in the show with no established criteria (it's only the participants that are showing in the same Zone as you are). Therefore, you will find cars in all stages of completion which means that NATO members (and non members reading this) are encouraged to bring their vehicles and display them on the Fun Field. Classes have been established for 1983 to 1987 Turbocoupes, Stock and Modified, and for 1988 Turbocoupes, Stock and Modified. NATO has adopted this event as their major get together for the year and a great time is had by all who attend. For the past three years, NATO has ben fortunate enough to have enough cars pre registered and they have had the use of a club tent for the weekend and hopefully that trend can continue for 2006. The club tent serves as a great place to get out of the weather, meet everyone, exchange thoughts and ideas, host the cook out, house the NATO merchandise, and to present the "Golden Turbo Award" to a deserving club member on Saturday afternoon.
The pre registraion drive usuall starts around the first of December (or as soon as the pre registration forms become available). Pertinent information can be found at the NATO website on the Home Pagem in the General Discussionb Section, and in the Coming Events Section where this is located. This information is constantly being updated so one must check back frequently for current information. NATO would like to encourage all members and non members to consider attending this event in 2006. We don't think you will be disappointed.