CARLISLE, Pa. (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Pennsylvania’s Department of Health is asking a state court to shut down an auto show in Carlisle that typically draws near 100,000 people.
State health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said during a news conference on Wednesday the number of people that can attend an event is well below 100,000.
“For events like this we have a limit of 250 people, in terms of mass gatherings,” said Levine.
Spring Carlisle opened Wednesday in Cumberland County outside of Harrisburg. A spokesperson says COVID-19 prevention measures are in place.
In a release shared on Wednesday, Carlisle Events says they have “retained council and intend to vigorously defend” the lawsuit.
Organizers say they have 100 open acres that “provides ample space for vendors and patrons to interact in a responsible manner, consistent with the CDC’s social distancing and other COVID-19 guidelines.”
They go on to say they believe the Health Department’s order is invalid.
Organizers believe their event is being singled out.
“Even if the order is valid, the department has erred in its application to outside events such as ours, or has acted arbitrarily in seeking to enforce the order against us, while permitting other entertainment venues to open.”
Many comments on Facebook show people still plan on attending the event and with one saying he attended the event Wednesday and that COVID-19 safety measures were in place.
More information on the the event's COVID-19 safety measures can be found here.
