Friends celebrating similar interests and spending time together — that was one of the many things the late Elliot “Chip” Miller loved about the car community. The notion that it didn’t matter what automaker you supported — when car lovers and like-minded people come together, good things happen. After all, even in the days before his untimely passing in 2004, he firmly believed life was indeed good!
His legacy is honored annually by way of his namesake Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation (CMAF) and the events it hosts. For 2025, the event will once again benefit the foundation as well as bring Ford lovers together on the Friday of the largest all-Ford-themed car show in the world.
Beginning with the doors opening at 5 PM on Friday, June 6, and continuing with a 6 PM dinner at the Carlisle Expo Center (100 K Street in Carlisle, PA), the CMAF will roll out the red carpet for fans and dignitaries alike with a focus on the Ford GT and Shelby GT350. This one-of-a-kind camaraderie can’t be duplicated outside of this dinner — and really, outside of the Carlisle Ford Nationals too.
The event not only offers participants a one-on-one chance to mix and mingle with some all-time names associated with the Ford GT and Shelby GT350 but also offers a great mix of food and drinks. Best of all, there are multiple ways to support the CMAF — both by attending the dinner and via planned raffles and a live charity auction. Prizes will vary but include some otherwise unattainable items, experiences, autographs, and more.
As if the chance to mingle with legends and their creations isn’t enough, consider this: Carlisle and its surrounding towns have many great dining options, but there aren’t many opportunities for large groups, car clubs, etc., to all come together in a mixer of this size. With that in mind, supporters of the CMAF and Carlisle Ford Nationals attendees should consider making this event part of their Friday evening plans. Dollars support a great cause too. The cost per person is $85 and includes a full-course meal, dessert, and host bar. Tickets will also include a special commemorative gift for each participant. A limited supply remains and are available to purchase via the Ford Nationals portion of CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.
The dinner is only one amazing portion of the Carlisle Ford Nationals. Ford weekend in 2025 includes special guests and displays from Ford, the 60th Anniversary of the Shelby GT350, TWO Ford GT Displays (including a 20-Year Celebration), 70 Years of the Ford Thunderbird, 25th Anniversary of the North American MK1 Focus, a Reunion Display of the Mercury Motorsport Capris, Galaxie Nationals (over 100 Galaxies anticipated), the Ford Nationals Select Display (including the 2008 Bullitt Verification Prototype), the Downtown Carlisle Ford Parade, Park, and Party, Autocross, a variety of “Wheels in Motion” activities, seminars, plus an automotive flea market, car corral, and Manufacturers Midway.
Call 717-243-7855 to register as a vendor or National Parts Depot Showfield participant. Discounted spectator admission tickets are also available online, while kids 12 and under are FREE! Don’t delay — space is limited all around, so be sure to visit the Carlisle Ford Nationals portion of CarlisleEvents.com to sign up and get involved.