Thunder on the River Car Show

I didn’t receive an email confirmation when I registered. How do I know if you received my registration?

First, check your spam folder. Some email providers send auto-generated emails to your junk folder. If you still can’t find the email, a list of registered vehicle owners is available here. The list is updated weekly so it may take a few days to see your name and vehicle information. If you don’t see it after a week, contact us at carshow@columbialions.org

When and where can I pick up my registration packet?

You can pick up your packet at Mountz, Kreiser & Fleckenstein Law Office, 553 Locust St., on the following dates:

Early packet pickup is encouraged. Same day packet pickup is available at the information tent in front of 345 Locust St.

I ordered a T-shirt. When and where can I pick it up?

T-shirts will be handed out with your packet.

I didn’t order a T-shirt but would like to buy one at the show. Can I do that?

A limited number of T-shirts will be available for sale the at the Lions tent in front of 345 Locust St.

Where can I drop off my canned goods or monetary donation for the Columbia Food Bank?

A collection box will be available at the information tent in front of 345 Locust St. After parking your vehicle, please bring your canned goods along with your door prize entry card to the Lions tent.

Do you accept special placement requests?

Vehicles are parked on a first-come, first-served basis based on the parking plan, which is designed to get everyone parked as safely and efficiently as possible. Classic sponsors and above receive one or more reserved spaces for a display and vehicle(s).

I want to park in Locust Street Park. What is my best option for doing that?

Weather and ground conditions permitting, we can park about 90 vehicles in Locust Street Park. Vehicles are parked on a first-come, first-served basis based on the parking plan. If you want to park in Locust Street, enter the green parking zone via North 6th Street and tell a volunteer you want to park in the park.

I’m coming to the show with a group of friends. Can we park together?

Yes. Make arrangements for your group to meet at a nearby location, such as a convenience store or fast-food restaurant. Then drive in together as a group. The first vehicle in line should tell one of our volunteers in an orange T-shirt that you’re with a group and you’d like to park together.

How are trophy winners selected?

A trophy committee, comprised of Lions Club members and car enthusiasts, selects the Best of Show, Barry Doutrich Memorial and several other “best of” trophies. All other trophies are selected by the businesses and organizations that sponsored them based on their own criteria.

I registered for the car show but something came up and now I can’t attend?

There are no refunds or transfers, which is disclosed in the terms and conditions. Your registration fee will benefit several nonprofit organizations including the Columbia Lions vision and eyeglass program.

Are restrooms available?

Portable restrooms are available at several locations: 2nd and Locust; 4th and Locust, and by the gazebo in Locust Street Park. Indoor public restrooms are available at the Columbia Market House, 15 S. 3rd St., Columbia Borough Office, 306 Locust St. and St. Paul Lutheran Church, 555 Locust St.

Will food be available?

Yes, there are several restaurants in downtown Columbia, including at the Columbia Market House. A list of restaurants can be found at Discover Columbia. In addition, there will be several food trucks and nonprofit food vendors on Locust Street and South 4th Street.

Where can spectators park?

Several parking lots are available within walking distance: Janson Park, 650 Cherry St.; Holy Trinity Church, 404 Cherry St.; Columbia Church, 510 Walnut St.; Knights of Columbus, 400 Maple St., Workman Funeral Home, 31 S. 8th St., Columbia Market House, 15 S. 3rd St.; and Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, 41 Walnut St. Parking fees may apply.

Where can I park a trailer if I bring my vehicle on one?

Trailer parking is available in the municipal parking lot at 106 Locust St. You will need to access the lot via Union Street and Bank Avenue as Locust Street will be closed. Contact us at carshow@columbialions.org to make arrangements.

Where do the car show proceeds go?

The Columbia Lions have selected several nonprofit organizations to receive donations: Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard, Our Home of Hope, Columbia Borough Police Department drone program, Columbia Animal Shelter and the Lions vision/eyeglasses project. Since 2014, the Lions have donated more than $68,000 to local nonprofit organizations from the car show.