An agreement between the state and a car show near Harrisburg is coming under scrutiny after it allowed up to 20,000 people per day at the event.
Local attorney Tom King, who is prosecuting Butler County’s lawsuit against Governor Tom Wolf and State Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, says he discovered an agreement between the Carlisle Car Show and state health officials during a previous court argument. He then wanted to get that document released to the public.
“The Attorney General asked the judge to seal the record in Pittsburgh so that the agreement itself would not be public,” King said. “Judge [William] Stickman on [Wednesday] during an argument advised the parties that he agreed with the county’s position that the document is public.”
“So [Thursday] morning we received an order from Judge Stickman saying that the document is public,” King added.
King said the document allowed up to 20,000 people per day at the car show, which is on 82 acres of land. He also added that the agreement allowed up to 250 people inside each building.
The Carlisle Car Show took place in late June in Cumberland County, which is near Harrisburg. The county was in the green phase at the time of the show. The green phase prohibits outdoor gatherings of 250 people or more.
Originally, Dr. Levine filed a lawsuit to stop the show. Eventually that lawsuit was dropped, and the show was allowed to proceed.
Local Republican State Representative Marci Mustello says the agreement is unfair to events like the Farm Show and Fair that had to cancel because of restrictions.
“I just find it disgraceful that the Governor is telling people what they can’t do to raise money for themselves and live safely,” Mustello said. “But in this agreement he’s allowing Carlisle Car Show to go on.”
Through a spokeswoman, the Department of Health said in an email.
“Due to the terms of the agreement, we cannot comment about settlement beyond statements previously provided. The administration has consistently developed rules and guidance most appropriate to safeguard health and safety as applied to various types of settings.
“The guidance for settings such as outdoor flea markets, where individuals do not congregate for discrete events or shows, has always been different than the guidance offered on large gatherings for an event or show. Throughout the pandemic the administration has maintained open communication with any entity with questions on the administration’s guidance and will continue to do so as necessary.
We must continue to focus our approach toward the overall intent of protecting public health. The virus is not stopping and spreads more easily when people are in close contact and the risk of transmitting COVID-19 is why large gatherings are limited statewide. The mitigation efforts Pennsylvania is taking are necessary to keep the lowest risk level possible, as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We must continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and avoid large gatherings to keep our numbers low, which will stop the spread and allow more freedom.”
