AACA’s Fall Meet Headed To Gettysburg

It has been said that 2020 has been the craziest year in years, and show promoters of both large and small shows have felt the pressure. Ever since 1955, the Antique Automobile Club of America has held their Annual Eastern Division AACA National Fall Meet. After so many years, it’s safe to assume that the organization has a pretty good idea of where to put all the markers and trash cans. That is, until 2020.

We originally told you about the cancellation of the swap meet section of the long-lived event, which was scheduled for October 9^th and 10^th, 2020. But, as eluded to in the AACA’s official press release on the matter, even the venue for the event has fallen subject to the national flu. In an evolutionary twist that would do Charles Darwin proud, the AACA has, out of necessity, scheduled another event, at a different venue.

The Hershey Region of the AACA has been sponsoring the “Hershey Meet” since the mid-50s. The AACA has shown flexibility to work within 2020’s shifting show field sands to still have a few events within the current restrictions.

We’re not sure if the new event is a re-scheduling of the annual Fall Meet, or if it should be considered a totally different event, but the new show is slated a month later, on November 6^th and 7^th, 2020. The new venue will be held at the Wyndham Hotel complex in nearby Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Many right-coast AACA members will note this is the same venue where the previously rescheduled and relocated AACA Grand Nationals was held months earlier. The AACA Board issued a statement explaining the decision to change dates, venues, and event titles.

“We worked with all parties and had an agreement on a COVID-19 solution for our show,” the AACA said in a released statement. “We ordered trophies and the Hershey Region ordered judge’s hats and dash plaques. We were excited to work together with the Region to make this a great show. Unfortunately, in the last few days, we were given a new set of regulations to follow which would have drastically affected the quality of the event in a negative way.”

The AACA held their Grand Nationals at the Wyndham Hotel Complex recently and the venue proved sufficient for further events.

The release goes on to explain, “As much as we wanted to have the show at the traditional location and be able to show off the outside of the new AACA headquarters, we must cancel the traditional Eastern Division Fall Nationals car show on October 9-10. We owe it to you to get this right and apologize to all who now must make changes to your schedules, cancel rooms, and most importantly miss being in Chocolate Town, USA.”

They also explain the decision to utilize the new venue for what will be called The AACA Special Fall Nationals. “Everything is onsite — trailer parking, host hotel along with a Marriott Courtyard next door, and judging school. Gettysburg is a great place to find activities in a historic location that offers so much to see,” the release said. And, more importantly, they went on to say, “The potential for cancelation is extremely remote.” A ray of sunshine in a truly uncertain show season calendar.

Many clubs use the AACA events to formulate chapter meetings where they can enjoy their similar taste in cars surrounded by all things automotive.

Located east of Gettysburg, just off Routes 15 and 30, the Wyndham is 10 minutes from Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Battlefield Museum. Downtown Gettysburg is just three miles away. Those traveling by air will be happy to note the Harrisburg International Airport is 45 miles from the hotel, and Hagerstown Regional Airport is 41 miles away. For those who will be driving to the event, all parking (including judges, trailer, and RV parking) will be on the hotel grounds. The hotel is charging $25 + tax for self-contained RV Parking and those who wish to utilize this option will pay on arrival.

The AACA welcomes all cars, whether quirky, unrestored or Concours-quality. Many lesser-known or extremely valuable marques make the trek to AACA events throughout the country seeking recognition from the esteemed judges.

The Board informs that previous Hershey checks will be shredded, so please do not worry about them being cashed. There is also a new registration card for Gettysburg. Those wishing to attend are asked to fill it out and send it in right away. As anyone who lives in the northeast will know, the average weather at that time of the year is typical, and VERY much, fall. Leaves will most likely be gone, but jackets will be out in full bloom.

As is the case with everyone this year, the AACA is, “committed to providing our members with a safe, enjoyable and sensible event…We have a well-thought-out and proven plan. Yes, masks and temperature-taking – just as we had planned for Hershey – will be a requirement.”