Cats won't be the only source of purring at the Columbia Animal Shelter on Saturday, July 27. Expect to hear the hum of engines as well when the shelter hosts its annual Cruisin' for Cats Car & Bike Show. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shelter, 265 S. 10th St., Columbia.

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

New this year, in addition to the top 20 vote getters, the top three cars and the top three bikes will each receive a cash prize.

This is the sixth year the shelter has held the car show. While cats and cars might seem like an unusual pairing, it makes sense considering the history of the Columbia Animal Shelter, Jalbert said. "Harold and Judy McKonly founded the Kleen-Rite Car Wash over 60 years ago. 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," she explained. "It made perfect sense when we opened (the shelter) 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."

People who attend the event will have the opportunity to win gift baskets and other giveaways, and all proceeds will be used to provide animal care in the shelter, including low-cost wellness clinic services, low-cost spay/neuter clinics and low-cost dental services.

"It is definitely one of our major fundraising events of the year and one of my favorites," Jalbert stated.

The shelter will be open for tours during the car and bike show, and people will be able to meet animals up for adoption.

"Come out and support a really great cause, see some awesome animals available for adoption, look at some cool cars that may just be older than you, and enjoy a day of family fun," Jalbert said.

There is a discount to preregister a car or bike up until the day of the event. On-site registration will also be available. To register, search for "Cruisin for Cats Car & Bike Show" at http://www.eventbrite.com. There is no charge for spectators to attend. For more information on Columbia Animal Shelter, visit https://columbiaanimalshelter.com.