Carlisle?

I've been going to Mopar-only shows since 2001. I have always enjoyed them but it wasn't until 2012 that I REALLY enjoyed them.
What changed?
I started hanging out with other Mopar people instead of just going there to buy parts and look at cars. It is the people that make it great for me, the cars are just the reason to get together.
The wife and I attended the Ohio show in 2004. I knew NOBODY there, I wasn't on any web forums like today. I enjoyed the show but not nearly like I did this time at Carlisle.
I can see why you didn't have as good of a time if you knew nobody and expected to see cars in action but there were still some fantastic cars there. The prices on parts almost always seem to be higher than you want to spend so how could you be surprised by any of this?
If your expectations are unrealistic, you'll always be disappointed.