On Saturday, June 17, be prepared for the sound of thunder in Columbia. This isn't ordinary thunder from a storm, however. Instead, it will be sound of hundreds of engines revving at noon as part of the Thunder on the River event. Hosted by the Columbia Lions Club, Thunder on the River will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along and around Locust Street and in Locust Street Park.
"It's going to be a really nice event," said Grant Shultz, who is organizing the event with Paul Resch. "We have 475 vehicles registered."
Trophies will be awarded in a variety of categories, including Best of Show and the Barry Doutrich Memorial, named for the local auto service center owner who originated the car show in 2005. "We have about 85 trophies we'll be giving out," Shultz stated.
A variety of food options will be available during the event, including several food trucks and local vendors on Locust Street. "We have a lot of Columbia organizations setting up stands, and we encourage people to eat at restaurants in Columbia," Shultz remarked, adding that a list of restaurants may be found at https://columbiamerchants.com.
Activities for children will be held at CHI St. Joseph Children's Health, 401 Locust St. "The Columbia Borough Police will be handing out Hot Wheels cars to all the kids, and there will be a Hot Wheels racetrack set up," Shultz commented.
Proceeds from Thunder on the River will benefit three local charities - 96.1 SOX Toy Challenge on the Bridge, Janson Park playground and the 11-11-11 Club. Since 2014, the Lions Club has donated more than $43,000 to local nonprofits. Additionally, car show participants are required to donate canned goods for the Columbia Food Bank as part of the registration process for Thunder on the River, Shultz said.
He noted that the day offers fun for the whole family, from adult car enthusiasts to children. "We'll have music playing all day, including the Kracker Beez band, who will be performing around noon," he stated. "It's a great time to come to Columbia, hang out, walk up and down Locust Street, check out the cars, enjoy some food and have fun with your family."
For more information on Thunder on the River, visit http://www.columbialions.org or search for "Columbia Car Show Thunder on the River" on Facebook.
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