PRESS CHECK IN:
"*" indicates required fields
Media Advisory, February 9, 2026
Introducing “Cars & Kids, Because We CARe” Gala and the Next Generation of Automotive Excellence
2026 Lehigh Valley Auto Show Media Preview & Press Conference
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. | Stabler Athletic & Convocation Center
The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association (GLVADA) invites members of the press to an exclusive preview and press conference for the 2026 Lehigh Valley Auto Show. The event will offer a first look at new car models, special events, celebrity appearances, and exciting new features for this year’s show, themed “Accelerating Excellence.”
Media will receive an exclusive first look at new vehicles, interactive exhibits, preview the Inaugural Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Community Gala and the debut of Driver, GLVADA’s new Bernese Mountain Dog mascot sponsored by First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union.
The Lehigh Valley Auto Show is a family-friendly event designed to engage visitors of all ages, allowing them to explore 140,000 sq. ft. of automotive excellence, including new vehicles, classic vehicles, custom and tuner vehicles, crossover vehicles, hybrid and full-electric models, trucks, and cycles showcased across three contiguous venues. The show will begin on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. The Inaugural Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Community Gala, will take place March 21st at Wind Creek Bethlehem.
The Inaugural Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Community Gala will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 pm at Wind Creek Bethlehem. The gala, which includes grant check presentations and nonprofit celebrations, will bring together community leaders, nonprofit partners, and supporters for an evening of dining, drinks, music, dancing, a silent auction, all in support of children and families across the Greater Lehigh Valley. The event will honor over a dozen grant recipients and highlight organizations that are making a meaningful impact on the lives of families in the Lehigh Valley. Tickets can be purchased at: https://onecau.se/cars-and-kids-gala
MEDIA PREVIEW EVENT DETAILS
WHEN:
11 a.m., Tuesday, February 17, 2026
WHERE:
Stabler Athletic and Convocation Center, Murray H. Goodman Campus Lehigh University,
124 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015
WHAT:
Preview of the 2026 auto show, including vehicles on-site inside Stabler Center, and announcement of new & featured vehicles, events, celebrity appearances, and Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Foundation initiatives . Interview opportunities as well as photo/video opportunities.
A first look at the 2026 Lehigh Valley Auto Show, including:
• New vehicles and technology displays across 140,000 sq. ft.
• Announcements of new programs, events, and community partnerships
• Introduction of the Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Foundation
• Preview of the 2026 Cars & Kids Community Gala
• Driver, GLVADA’s new official mascot
• Photo, video, and interview opportunities with GLVADA leadership and partners
WHO:
Dan Moyer, Executive Director, Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association
Kristi Moyer, Shiftin2Gear Tuner Car Show
XXX, Boy Scouts of America Representative
Kendra Scott, Jewelry Making Show Exhibit
Katara Jordan Batts, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
Sandra Catenaro and Claudia Rodriguez, Whoodle Works, Easton, Youth Engagement Craft Activation
XXX, American Heart Association (To confirm Saturday night at Heart Ball)
Nonprofit and community partners participating in Cars & Kids programming
Show Features for 2026 Include:
• Inaugural Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Community Gala
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 5:30–9:30 p.m., Wind Creek Bethlehem
• Celebrating nonprofit partners and presenting more than $70,000 in grants
• Dining, drinks, music, dancing, and silent auction
• Community leaders, supporters, and youth serving organizations
• Participating nonprofits include: America On Wheels, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown, Camelot for Children, Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, Love Ran Red, Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley, and more
• Driver, GLVADA’s new Bernese Mountain Dog mascot, sponsored by First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union
• Singer-Songwriter Kendal Conrad will perform the National Anthem at the 2026 Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Community Gala.
• Expanded electric and hybrid vehicle showcases, highlighting the latest advancements in automotive sustainability.
• Shiftn2Gear Tuner Show, featuring an incredible lineup of custom-tuned and modified cars.
• Daily Tasting Events, where attendees can enjoy delicious local libations while exploring the show.
• Marketplace Marvel, a unique shopping experience featuring local businesses and one-of-a-kind finds.
• Return of the Pit Crew Challenge
• Boys Scouts of America Merit Badge program
Show Dates & Times:
Murray H. Goodman Campus Lehigh University:
• Wednesday, March 18: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 19: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 20: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21: Shiftin2Gear Tuner Car Show, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Parking Pavilion
• Saturday, March 21: Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Community Gala, Wind Creek Bethlehem
• Sunday, March 22: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Club Events:
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 20: Thunderbird Club
• Saturday, March 21: Corvette Club
• Sunday, March 22: Mustang Club
Admission:
• Adults: $10
• Seniors (55+): $8
• Children (6-14): $8
• Children 5 and under: Free
• Veterans: Free with ID, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets are valid for any single day (Thursday–Sunday) and can be purchased online at lehighvalleyautoshow.org or at the Lehigh Valley Auto Show Office.
Venue and Parking: Free parking available throughout the event at Lehigh University, Goodman Campus.
For additional information, sponsorship inquiries, or media interviews, visit lehighvalleyautoshow.org or contact Dan Moyer at 610-972-5496, dmoyer2@ptd.net.
About Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Foundation
The Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Foundation is the youth and community engagement initiative of the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association (GLVADA). The foundation strengthens the lives of children and families across the region through hands-on educational programming, safety awareness, life skills, and career exploration opportunities. Since 1996, GLVADA and its charitable programs have donated more than $1.9 million to local nonprofits and youth-serving organizations, an average of $150,000 per year.
About GLVADA
The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association is a coalition of 44 new-car dealers with 75 franchises dedicated to promoting automotive excellence and strengthening the communities they serve. Through charitable giving, youth engagement, educational partnerships, and signature events like the Lehigh Valley Auto Show, GLVADA is committed to driving integrity, opportunity, and impact across the region. For more information, visit lehighvalleyautoshow.org.
###
