Through its time, the automobile has aided humans in any number of important ways. Some organizations, like the local Lions Club, have even discovered ways for cars to help them serve the community.

The Lititz Lions Club does know a few things about service.

The next edition of the annual Lititz Lions Club Car Cruise is only a couple of weeks away. Part car show, part car cruise, the event strikes at the true meaning of what being a Lion is really all about.

"For me, the best part is being able to share this event with so many people from year to year," said Meghan Clair, the event chairperson and vice president of the Lititz Lions Club. "The service part is my passion. Yes, I love organizing events, but I'm all about the service part of it. I love cars and it's a fun event, but it's about service."

The 15th annual Lititz Lions Club Car Cruise will be conducted on Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 3:30 to 9 p.m. in the downtown business district. Check-ins and staging will be performed at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Road, Lititz, before Main Street from Broad Street to Oak Street is closed to traffic at 5 p.m.

At the conclusion of the event, the show vehicles will start their engines and slowly take turns cruising west on Main Street.

"When the cars get to Broad Street, they either go left or right," said Clair. "It's a cool exit."

The event is free to attend, and prizes will be awarded to vehicles in 10 categories, including best interior, greatest distance traveled, best motorcycle and best in show. Spectators are afforded an opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite in the best of show category.

"It's a mixture of fun," said Clair. "People come or they just hang out on their porches. There are tons of kids, and they can run around in a safe location. There's a DJ and a lot of dancing. It's put together nicely. It's near the end of the summer and people are out enjoying themselves."

More than 200 cars of all makes, models and generations will be on display at the Lititz Lions Club Car Cruise. Among those expected to appear are Corvettes, Camaros, Mustangs, Studebakers, BMWs, dune buggies, trucks, classic automobiles, hot rods and muscle cars, some from as far away as surrounding states.

"These are car enthusiasts," said Clair. "Some are people who are retired and have sunk money into different kinds of cars. They're people who travel."

Up to 5,000 spectators are expected to attend, and the organizers of the event are hoping to raise over $14,000 for Lititz Lions Club causes like Warwick School District events, law enforcement programs, emergency services and vision-related resources like eyeglasses and eye exams.

"Ultimately, all of us do this because we have different passions," said Clair of the Lititz Lions Club's 60 members. "But collectively, we all come together to do larger service commitments. I want people to know what they are supporting. I also want them to know there are opportunities to serve with us. This particular event is just one way they can do that. This shows we support our community."

For additional information about the Lititz Lions Club, go to http://www.lititzlions.org.