Picture for a moment our own Fairfield County Fairgrounds—gentle rolling lawns and iconic buildings ensconced by her historic racetrack. As your imaginary eye follows the tall trunk of a sycamore to its canopy, you’re struck by the imposing grace of Mount Pleasant and its wonderful history.
I experience a similar rush when I journey to Carlisle, Pennsylvania—a mecca for car collector people, with a huge automotive swap meet set on what was originally a fairgrounds very much like our own, anchored by the beautiful Laurel Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania. Like the Fairfield County Fair, it’s held in mid-October when the leaves glow as though backlit by neon.
I’m not much of an outdoorsman, but this is my version of a Canadian fishing trip. For three days and nights, I pack light, sleep in my car and tramp the hilly terrain of Carlisle until my little legs can take no more. This event has been a part of my hobby-walk for over 30 years. We’re talking over 120 glorious acres of old car parts and automotive memorabilia—and that’s just inside the fairgrounds!
Now picture our own Lancaster overrun by thousands of visitors all looking for a parking spot. The scale of this meet, if brought to our little city, would result in every lawn and parking space within a square mile of the fairgrounds packed full of cars. Private entrepreneurship blossoms fully during this holy week of automobilia as Carlisle residents open their yards, alleyways and every square foot of property to park visitors’ cars. Practically every yard adjacent to the fairgrounds becomes a used car lot, overflowing with Hemi Cuda’s and fuel injected Corvettes. Many local industries close in order to rent out their parking lots.
Donning my writers cap, I enjoyed interviewing the locals. Lester and Nina Minturn’s home backs up to the fairgrounds. They carefully cordon off their yard into what appeared to be approximately 20 or so parking spaces. A hand painted sign at the sidewalk read, “Parking $10.00 all day.” Lester hustled from the front to the back of their lot directing incoming parkers as Nina collected their cash. During a lull in the action, I asked Nina how long they had lived in this location. “We retired here six years ago.”
“From where?” I asked.
“From across town.”
“I don’t understand…” I mumbled.
“Well, there are 14 events a year here at these grounds and we work nine or ten of them.” Grinning, she went on, “It gives us our travel money for our winter in Florida.”
As I wandered down a side street, I came across a young man sitting at the parking lot of a local church. I asked, “Are you a member of this church?” He replied, “Yep, and we always park cars during the events at the fairgrounds.” He continued excitedly, “The extra income helped us pay off our mortgage in five years!”
I discovered two entirely different approaches taken by adjacent residents. They either locked down their property with fences and fierce looking “No Trespassing” signs or they fully embraced the event and posted “Park Here” signs. I thought the contrast was interesting.
I assumed it would be a genuine hassle to live next to such an over-active venue like the Carlisle Automotive Exhibitors Fairgrounds… but I discovered, even though it was a bust for some, it was a blessing for others. It just depended on each resident.
I guess it’s the old adage about making lemonade out of lemons, isn’t it? So many times I purse my lips against the sour taste of life’s events, when I could pucker up and kiss it on the mouth.
“When we see that you’re just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you’re going to make it, no doubt about it.”
2 Corinthians 1:7 The Message
I’m trying to learn to put more energy into puckering and less into pursing… more pleasure, less pain. It takes the same energy to do either. I’m gonna paint over my “No Trespassing” signs. Besides, “Park Here” is so much easier to spell.
Read Ron’s column, Simple Faith, each Saturday on the Faith Page (page 3) of the Lancaster Eagle Gazette, or visit www.lancastereaglegazette.com.