Cool cars, tasty food, great people, worthy cause.

The New Holland Classic Car, Gas Engine and Tractor Show has got it all. That's what makes the event a cherished local tradition.

"It's like your favorite vacation spot," said Cody Mellinger, the head chairperson of the show. "Why do you keep going back? Because of what it is. People like New Holland Park; they like this show. Businesses of the greater New Holland area want to contribute to the show. I've always said that this amazing show is one of the five best events New Holland hosts each year."

The 45th edition of the annual New Holland Classic Car, Gas Engine and Tractor Show will be staged from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, at picturesque New Holland Community Memorial Park, 400 E. Jackson St. For spectators, the event is free to attend and parking is available at the ballfields. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

The classic car show will feature more than 300 vehicles, trucks and tractors entered in 35 categories - including Studebaker/Packards, street rods, pickups, Mustangs and Corvettes - some of which will be judged and some of which will be for display purposes only. The top three finishers in each category will receive prizes. The Steve Loewen Best of Show and the People's Choice represent two of the six awards that will be presented.

Owners can enter their cars at https://standeenfoundation.org/new-holland-classic-car-show-registration/ before midnight on Saturday, July 11.

"It's a nostalgia thing," said Jim Sinclair, an ardent supporter of the New Holland Classic Car Show. "It takes people back to the good old days. A lot of these people had some of these cars when they were younger or still have them. It gives you a piece of mind you can't buy. It's big boy toys. People bring them out and show them off."

The New Holland Classic Car Show will begin with a parade of vintage vehicles to the park. The event will also feature live music by Smoka Polka in the morning, hit tunes from The Nomads in the afternoon and a kids' pedal car race that will begin at 12:15 p.m.

Drinks and hot and cold dishes will be available from more than eight food trucks.

"It's definitely a nice community event," said Sinclair. "It's a beautiful setting with lots of shade."

"It's really neat at the beginning of the day when all the cars come through," said Mellinger. "You hear the engines on Jackson Street. That's one of the coolest parts. We do all this work and then you get to sit back, relax and watch the cars."

All proceeds from the New Holland Classic Car Show will go to the Stan Deen Foundation, which uses the arts to instill hope into the lives of young people.

The New Holland Classic Car Show was established in 1982.

"I'd say come for a taste of the past," said Sinclar. "It's like the Statler Brothers' song in the '70s. 'Flat tops, sock hops, Studebakers and Pepsi, please. Do you remember these?'"