2024 marks the 71^st anniversary of the Corvette – originally designed and engineered by Harley J. Earl – inspired by attending races in 1951 at the Glen. In 1953 the first Corvette appeared at the races in Watkins Glen and 2024 marks 71 years of Corvettes as the “American Sportscar”. Watkins Glen Promotions is organizing the festival, titled “Corvette Thunder in the Glen,” celebrating the legacy of Harley Earl at Clute Park.

The festival starts on Friday, May 16^th with a welcome party and car display near Kookalaroc’s Bar & Grill on 11^th Street in downtown. Come see an assortment of old and new Corvettes, enjoy the tunes of a live band, and have dinner!

On Saturday, May 17^th, the day will begin with Corvette owners arriving at Clute Park and lining the 5-foot Trailway that surrounds the Seneca Lake Events Center. Drivers are asked to be in position by 9:30 am for the 10 am to 3 pm car exhibit. Visitors will be charged to park at Clute Park and will be allowed to walk through all of the cars that are on display until 3 pm. Food trucks and other vendors will be located throughout the Park.

At 3 pm participants are released and eligible to leave Clute Park – however at 5 pm Richard Prince is presenting a key-note address within the Community Center – looking at the history and legacy of the Corvette. The 1-hour presentation will be a seated and videoed event. Historic images will be presented to attendees for this catered dinner event. Questions will be answered around the longevity and support of the Corvette.

On Sunday May 18^th –  registered participants can enter Franklin Street to participate in a static car display downtown, starting at 4^th Street, and ending at the Historic Start/Finish Line of the Original Road Circuit. At 3PM, drivers will start their engines and participate in 1 lap of the Old Course. Visitors will line Franklin and Fourth Streets of this original course and can watch the lap. At this time, no pedestrian traffic can enter the downtown roads. Once completed, Corvettes will make their way up to Watkins Glen International for a  experience on the race track.

​Registration Links will be posted soon, as well as vendor applications. Stay tuned!