Cruise on over to the Columbia Animal Shelter and experience an event to raise funds for the organization while perusing cool cars and enjoying a variety of activities.

The Cruisin' for Cats Car & Bike Show will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shelter, 265 S. 10th St., Columbia. A rain date is set for Sunday, July 27.

"This is a wonderful event for all ages," said Tammy Jalbert, executive director of Columbia Animal Shelter. "There will be awesome cars, bikes, (giveaways), live entertainment by Tate Lehman & The Blue Chilis. We will have hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork and desserts for sale. And everyone has a chance to cast their vote and pick a winner in the car and bike category!"

All makes and models of vehicles are eligible for the show, and past events have drawn a wide variety of classic, vintage and new cars and bikes. The top three cars and the top three bikes each will receive a cash prize.

This is the seventh annual car and bike show at the shelter. The idea fits perfectly with the shelter's roots, Jalbert said.

"Harold and Judy McKonly founded the Kleen-Rite Car Wash over 60 years ago," she explained. "Judy had a passion for animals, and her lifelong dream was to build an animal shelter, so when she passed, their family created a foundation in their honor. It made perfect sense when we opened back in 2019 to have a car and bike show, and it felt like the perfect way to support their love for all things cars, bikes and animals in one event."

Proceeds from the show will support operations at the shelter, including a low-cost wellness clinic, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic and low-cost dental services.

"It is one of our major fundraising events of the year and will always be one of my favorites," Jalbert commented. "This ... event continues to grow every year, which is a testament to the great supporters in our community."

There is a discount to register a vehicle prior to the event. People may register at http://bit.ly/3U4h4Gr or stop by the shelter. Same-day registration will also be available. There is no charge for spectators to attend the show.

Along with admiring the cars and bikes entered in the show, people may tour the shelter and visit with adoptable cats during the event.

"Enjoy a great time supporting a really great cause, see some awesome animals available for adoption, look at some amazing cars/motorcycles that may just be older than you are and enjoy a day of family fun!" Jalbert said.

For more information on Columbia Animal Shelter, visit https://columbiaanimalshelter.com.