Cats and cars will come together at Columbia Animal Shelter when the organization hosts the Cruisin' for Cats Car Show. The event will be held at the shelter, 265 S. 10th St., on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, July 31.

"This is our fourth annual event, and each year, it's gotten bigger and better," said Tammy Jalbert, executive director of the shelter. "The first year, we had 55 cars participate. Last year, we had 200 cars, and our goal for this year is between 250 and 300 cars. That's about the maximum we could host in the space."

All types of vehicles, including cars, trucks and motorcycles, are invited to participate in the event. "We have everything from vintage cars to newer models," Jalbert said. "We had an old ambulance last year, and it won a prize." The top 20 cars will win awards in a variety of categories, including Best in Show, she said.

The event will also feature a basket giveaway, music from a DJ and food. "The shelter will be open, so people can come in and take a look," Jalbert noted. Proceeds from the event will benefit programs at the shelter, including a new wellness clinic.

Hosting a car show is a perfect fit for the Columbia Animal Shelter, Jalbert explained, because the shelter was created through the Harold and Judy McKonly Family Foundation. "They were the founders of Kleen-Rite Corporation, which provides supplies for the car wash industry, so it really seems fitting that we're doing a car show," she stated, adding that it was a lifelong dream of Judy's to open an animal shelter. "Without the car wash business, this place wouldn't exist."

Last year's car show drew a large crowd not only of participants but of spectators as well, and Jalbert is hopeful that this year's event will do the same. "We'd like everybody from the community to come out," she said. "It's a really great family event, and it's free to attend. Come out on a Saturday, check out the cars, enjoy some food, possibly win a prize or two. It's really fun for the whole family."

Registration for participation in the car show will be accepted at the event, but there is a discount for people who register ahead of time. For more information on Cruisin' for Cats, visit https://columbiaanimalshelter.com or search for "Columbia Animal Shelter" on Facebook.