It's a patriotic year for the Lancaster County Cruisers.

The group, which holds its annual car show on the first Saturday of July every year, will present this year's show on Saturday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Willow Street Fire Company, 2901 Willow Street Pike North, Willow Street.

No registration is needed for the 26th annual show. Anyone wishing to participate can bring their cars, trucks and motorcycles. There is a fee to take part; the event will be held rain or shine. More than 20 trophies will be awarded, and the first 200 participants will receive a dash plaque.

Because of the event's schedule, this year will not be the first time that it has been held over the holiday. Club member Judy Andrews said that she does not expect to lose attendees with the holiday weekend.

"It's done by 2:00, so people still have time to go on and do fireworks and picnics," she said.

The Cruisers will have T-shirts available for purchase at the show. There will also be door prizes available. For food, there will be breakfast, hot dogs, hamburgers and sausages available. Lemonade, as well as the Mocha Motion Coffee truck, will be available for drinks. There will also be a DJ, who will mix in some patriotic tunes to match the occasion.

One big advantage that the Cruisers have over other summer car shows is the pavilion at the fire company.

"I've been to lots of car shows, and Judy has too," said club member Christine Weir, who noted that club members can also gives attendees rides from the parking area to the center of the field. "When it's July or August, it's hotter than blazes. You get your food and you're in the sun; it's hot. We actually have a pavilion in the shade, which is really nice."

Hogs and Heroes Foundation, a community of motorcycle riders who support military causes, will have a stand.

Those attending the car show are asked to bring nonperishable canned goods to support the food pantry at the Willow Street United Church of Christ (UCC).

Proceeds from the registration fees and bake sale will be donated to Solanco Neighborhood Ministries, Hope's Haven, Building Bridges, and Willow Street UCC.

The weather was not great for last year's show, but the event still pulled in around 350 vehicles. Weir said that the show typically pulls in around 300 to 400 vehicles, depending on weather and when the event falls on the calendar.

"We've always lucked out pretty good with the weather," Andrews said. "That's why we started doing it rain or shine, because it's too confusing for the food vendors to come when they have stuff the next day, then they can't come."

The club has been in existence since 1994. It meets on the second Sunday of every month at 6 p.m. at Willow Street UCC, 2723 Willow Street Pike North, Willow Street. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if they do not own a classic or antique car.

"We just like the people that are in it," Andrews said. Weir added that the club is looking for new members to come to the show and to bring their significant other.

The club's other major events include an annual Christmas party; outings to local restaurants; and trips to the Morgantown Auto Mall, located right on the border between Lancaster, Chester and Berks counties.

For more information about the club or car show, call Weir at 717-413-1699 or president Joe Snyder at 717-405-4068.