There will be cars and cones, but not traffic cones.

The First Responders Friends offer a much tastier cone for its "Cars and Cones" events, a series of car shows and ice cream socials. The organization holds three such events every summer, the second of which is upcoming on Friday, July 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Safe Harbor Park, 5365 River Road, Conestoga.

"I've heard of coffee and cars," said Bob Heckrote, who is the secretary of First Responders Friends. "That's a morning thing ... so we thought an evening cruise would be something different."

There is no registration or signup prior to the event. As Heckrote put it, there's no commitment; it's just a bunch of people coming out for ice cream to support a great cause. Participants must make a donation of a nominal set fee, which includes two bowls of ice cream and two bottles of water. People typically bring an antique or classic car, but any vehicle is permitted.

"There is no requirement," Heckrote said. "We've gotten everything from an antique fire truck to late model cars."

Cookies and cream, chocolate, vanilla and mint chocolate chip ice cream flavors will be available. Visitors who do not bring a car are also welcome.

This summer is the third year of the Cars and Cones series. The first such event this year was held June 19 and had a turnout of about 50 cars, said Rich Graham, the group's president. Graham also gave a nod to Brookfield Renewable Energy Group, the group that owns the Safe Harbor Dam. Brookfield provides electricity and ice for the event, as well as the location.

The third Cars and Cones event will be held on Friday, Aug. 21, also from 6 to 8 p.m. The series ramps up to the group's biggest activity, the annual Conestoga Classic Car Show. The 13th edition will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration will be required for that event; people can sign up starting in July.

First Responders Friends supports the Conestoga Volunteer Fire Company, West Willow Fire Company, Lancaster EMS, and Pequea Township Police Department.

Meetings are held at Graham's home in Conestoga, typically on the first Thursday of every month, although the group is flexible. Call Graham at 717-917-6500 for more information.

First Responders Friends was founded approximately 15 years ago, and Graham joined shortly thereafter. It was originally Friends of Southern Regional Police before the name changed after there was no longer a regional police force.

First Responders Friends either fulfills specific requests or makes monetary donations. The group has purchased flashlights and a sign that indicates a vehicle's speed for the police department and even bought a police car soon after the organization was founded.

The group hands out candy on Halloween and supports the Pequea Township and Conestoga Township National Night Out events.

"It all benefits local fire companies and first responders," Graham said. "We've got a good group of guys, we really do. I don't know if we've ever had a vote that we haven't split on ... we've got some ladies, too."