If you’re in the market for a new car, SUV or truck, the upcoming Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers (GLVAD) 2019 Auto Show is set to open March 21-29 at Lehigh University’s Goodman Campus in Hellertown.
In this its 22nd anniversary, this four-day show allows patrons to kick the tires and compare a variety of vehicles without any sales pressure. There will, however, be information personnel from the car makers to answer questions on their particular models.
According to Tom Kwiatek, executive director of GLVAD, this local show won’t cost you $35 per person to attend, and when you leave the show, you’ll be assured your personal vehicle will still be there.
Patrons will get a chance to check out the latest in specialty brands such as Audi’s Q8, Alpha Romeo’s Stelvio Quadrifoglia SUV, Land Rover Range Rover’s SUV, Maserati’s Levante SUV, Mercedes Benz’s S560V4 sedan, Porsche’s hot 911GTS or Jaguar’s all electric I-Pace SUV. These and many more vehicles will be on hand for your perusal.
Aside from the array of new cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, classic cars and perhaps IndyCars at the show, there are other events such as a Ride-and-Drive program that allow patrons to take test rides, and a new highlight, the Auto Show Marketplace.
The Marketplace will focus on safe driving with a distracted driving simulator hosted by Geico for showgoers to try out. The interactive feature is designed to illustrate the effects of distracted, drunk or buzzed driving.
Also on hand will be St. Luke’s University Health Network’s display of child safety seats with staff on hand to show how to properly install them.
If you’d like to preview the vehicles before the show starts, this years “Main Streets of the Lehigh Valley” gala offers a night of live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, all to showcase the three of the valley’s Main Streets (Hamilton in Allentown, Main in Bethlehem and Northampton in Easton). The event is open to the public and offers free valet parking.
All proceeds benefit St. Luke’s University Health Network. Tickets are $100 per person and $160 per couple. Tickets may be purchased online at glvada.org.
The auto show will open 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for Senior Citizens (55 and over and children (6-14) and $25 for a family four-pack. Children under five are free. Tickets may also be purchased online at glvada.org or onsite.
Friday, March 22 military and first responders will be admitted free with a valid ID and accompanying family members up to four people attend at half price.
Thursday evening, says Gale Ellenberger, media relations representative, is the first time at the show Women’s Business Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual scholarship fundraiser in Stabler’s Athletic and Convocation Center, Entitled, “Top Chef of the Valley,” the 5-7 p.m. event will feature winetasting and samples of feature dishes from the chefs around the valley. Attendees will have the opportunity to win restaurant gifts cards. Tickets are $35 for chamber member’s and $70 for nonmembers.
If you’d like to volunteer four hours of your time for the show, contact Tom Kwiatek at tkiatek@ptd.net. And for more information check www.glvada.org.
