If you plan to be in downtown Columbia at noon on Saturday, June 21, brace yourself. You're about to discover why an annual event is called Thunder on the River.

At the 11th annual show, more than 525 cars, trucks and motorcycles will line Locust Street and, following the national anthem, fire up their engines at once. The synchronized revving sends a thunderous roar through the town, a tradition that's become the show's signature moment.

"We started this tradition a few years ago, and it's become a highlight of the show," said Paul Resch, president of the Columbia Lions Club, which organizes the event. "A lot of people think that's how the show got its name, and it does fit. But truthfully, the name came first. Then someone said, 'Wouldn't it be cool if they all revved their engines at the same time?' It was the perfect idea, and it stuck."

Thunder on the River will take place on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, along Locust Street between Front and Sixth streets and in Locust Street Park. Admission is free for spectators.

All makes and models are welcome in the sold-out show, which will award 86 trophies across various categories, including Best of Show and the Barry Doutrich Memorial Trophy, named for the event's founder.

"Coming to the car show is like stepping into a time machine," Resch said. "You'll see the car you drove in high school, the one your dad taught you to drive in or the one you always dreamed of owning. Maybe it's the car you took to the Columbia Drive-In, the one you drove to prom or even the one you decorated and drove away in on your wedding day. It's not just about the cars; it's about the memories we made with friends and family over the years, with those cars and trucks right at the heart of the story."

Highlights of the event will include a flag ceremony performed by members of Boy Scout Troop 35 at 11:30 a.m., followed by the national anthem and the engine revving at noon. Food vendors, nonprofit groups and restaurants will sell a variety of food, including strawberry shortcake, chicken fingers and fries. Food trucks and vendors will be set up along Locust Street and will include Scoops Ice Cream and Grille and Bricker's Famous French Fries. A full list of downtown restaurants may be found at https://columbiamerchants.com.

A Kids Pit Stop in the parking garage at CHI St. Joseph Children's Health, 401 Locust St., will have crafts, face painting, snacks, drinks and free toy cars from Columbia Borough Police. "One of the highlights for the little ones is walking up to a police officer and asking for a Hot Wheels or Matchbox car," Resch shared.

Official Thunder on the River T-shirts will be sold at the Lions Club tent in front of 345 Locust St.

"Thunder on the River isn't just for car enthusiasts. It's a great day out for the whole family," Resch said. "It's such a fun and memorable experience. There's something here for every age."

New this year, Donation Ambassadors will hand out programs and collect donations for local groups like the Columbia Animal Shelter, Our Home of Hope, Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard and Columbia Borough Police.

The Last Ride Car Show, sponsored by Mount Bethel Cemetery, will feature hearses, ambulances and flower cars between Sixth and Seventh streets, along with themed vendor booths in the cemetery, 700 Locust St.

Since taking over the show in 2014, the Columbia Lions Club has raised more than $68,000 for local nonprofits.

"We're proud to keep this tradition going, and every year it just gets better," Resch said. "People come back year after year because they know they'll see some of the best cars in central Pennsylvania, they'll see old friends and they'll make new memories."

Spectator parking will be available on surrounding streets and in designated lots, including Holy Trinity Church, Janson Park, Columbia Church, Workman Funeral Homes, Columbia Crossing River Trails Center and more. Parking fees may apply. Restrooms will be available at multiple indoor and outdoor locations, including Columbia Market House and St. Paul Lutheran Church.