For more than three decades, the Make-A-Wish Mother's Day Truck Convoy has rolled through the county, lifting spirits and raising funds for local children battling critical illnesses. The 36th annual event will be held on Saturday, May 10. It will kick off at Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction, 1190 Lancaster Road, Manheim. While truck parking and driver registration will run from 6 to 10 a.m., the public is invited to a Family Fest from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The convoy will depart at 1:30 p.m.

In the past, the convoy has been held on Mother's Day, but organizers made the decision to move the event to the day before the holiday in the hopes of improving attendance, enhancing volunteer availability and encouraging more participation from drivers and wish families.

"Everything else that folks love about the event remains unchanged," said Lori Dietrich, Make-A-Wish director of development for Lancaster County.

The Family Fest will feature fun for people of all ages, Dietrich shared. Activities will include carnival-style games with prizes, costumed characters, entertainment from a DJ and a community expo.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase a home-style chicken dinner inside the auction building. Meals will include a barbecued chicken thigh, green beans, cheesy potatoes, a roll and butter, applesauce, a cookie and a drink. Dinners will be available for purchase on the day of the event until sold out.

A dozen food trucks, including The Pretzel Spot Cafe, Mocha Motion Coffee, Philly Cheesesteak Co. On the Roll and Holy Smoked Meats, will also be on-site.

Funds will also be raised through an online auction that will begin on Saturday, May 3, and will conclude at noon on May 10.

"Items include gift cards, experiences, merchandise and more," Dietrich said, noting that the auction will complement basket giveaways offered on-site at the Family Fest. "All baskets and auction items will be available for pickup from 1 to 3 p.m. on May 10 at the auction building. For those that cannot pick up at that time, alternative arrangements will be made."

Last year's convoy raised more than $442,000 to support the efforts of Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley.

"The 2025 goal is $500,000," Dietrich remarked. "Anyone can help support granting wishes in the community by making a donation."

Since 1990, more than 12,000 trucks have driven in the convoy, and the event has raised close to $10 million, granting wishes to more than 900 children in the Susquehanna Valley.

After the convoy leaves the auto auction, it will proceed along a 26-mile route through Manheim to Elizabethtown and Mount Joy. Many of the trucks will carry wish kids along for the ride.

"There is a quiet zone this year on Cloverleaf Road for our convoy fans that would appreciate a quieter experience," Dietrich said.

Drivers can still register to take part in the truck convoy. There is a fee for registering, and fundraising is optional but encouraged.

"We are also still in need of volunteers to assist with the day's event, including truck parking, working the carnival games, helping at driver registration and more," Dietrich commented. "It takes nearly 200 volunteers to have a safe and successful truck convoy for all to enjoy."

To learn more about the convoy, visit http://www.wishconvoy.org.