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Settlement reached in Carlisle car show controversy

The event that normally brings over 100,000 people from all over the world to the Carlisle Fairgrounds was subject to a lawsuit.

UPDATE: Department of Health and Carlisle Events release joint statement:

"The Pennsylvania Department of Health is committed to protecting the health of Pennsylvanians, and our mission of a healthy Pennsylvania for all.

We are pleased to have worked with Carlisle Events to improve its efforts to protect Spring Carlisle vendors and patrons and the public from COVID-19. As a result of those efforts the Department and Carlisle Events have resolved the current litigation.

We will continue to work to protect the health of Pennsylvanians, while also assisting businesses as they work to reopen."

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED:

A settlement has been reached in the Carlisle car show controversy that centered around the debate of how many people should be allowed inside the event.

News of the settlement was announced on Friday, minutes before a postponed court hearing was set to continue on the issue in Harrisburg. 

Pennsylvania's Department of Health had issued a complaint against 'Spring Carlisle' after it said the event was ignoring a previously denied waiver that had requested an exemption for the 250 person rule. The DOH said the event can draw up to 100,000 people, including people from out of state. 

Lawyers for Carlise Productions had argued the event space shouldn't have to abide by the 250 person rule because there are adequate opportunities for social distancing on the property, that the event is taking necessary safety precautions, and that the event is also held outside. Carlisle Productions argued Thursday before the judge that, instead, it should be held to a 50% occupancy rule, as other businesses are in the state.

"I can tell you that the state has withdrawn its claim," said Michael Garland, spokesperson for Spring Carlisle who later added, "between yesterday and today both sides talked."

Garland said the event made an announcement over the loudspeaker to guests when the settlement was decided. Details of that settlement, he said, were still being finalized and would be announced later Friday afternoon.

When asked what 50% capacity is at the site of 'Spring Carlisle,' Garland said "certainly per fire code, there probably is a capacity. I will be the first to admit even on record I am not aware of what the grand capacity would be under normal circumstances but I do know under the data that has been conveyed to me that attendance for this years 'Spring Carlisle' is probably down by about 50%."

Garland added the facility normally sees 2700 vendors during 'Spring Carlisle' in its 8100 vending spaces. But, he said this year the 8100 spaces are only filled with about 1400 vendors

"It is encouraged of our guests to wear a mask upon entry because our points of entry are one place where social distancing is a bit of a challenge. But, once you are on grounds, folks are spread out. It's an 82-acre facility with plenty of built-in opportunity for social distancing," said Garland.

Garland added, there is a level of personal accountability that he said comes with each and every person that walks through the gates. 

Carlisle Productions has more events planned in the near future, including next weekend. To learn more about those events, click here.

RELATED: PA Dept of Health pushes to limit number of people at Carlisle auto show

RELATED: Decision delayed: PA Dept of Health's push to limit number of people at Carlisle auto show postponed

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