Show cars, hot rods, hoopties and more roll in for the car show in downtown Columbia PA today.

Photo: Auto Enthusiasts Newsblaster

No, it ain’t exactly the concours d’elegance at Pebble Beach.

But maybe that’s what’s good about it—because being an auto enthusiast need not be an elitist hobby. The hobby should be accessible to everyone who owns a car that he or she thinks is kinda cool and wants to get more enjoyment out of the ownership and driving experience. It doesn't have to be restricted to those with the fatness of wallet needed to own a trailer queen that will meet the Classic Car Club of America’s definition of a classic and score points based on “the French rules.”

From concours-quality antiques to hot rods to street rods to downright hoopties, the vintage cars started rolling in at 5:00 a.m. this morning to the heart of downtown Columbia Pennsylvania, a small, quaint rivertown nestled in the picturesque banks of the Susquehanna, about halfway between Lancaster and York, for the 5th Annual Thunder on the River Car Show.

“The show isn’t set to start for hours, but all these old guys just come out early to drink coffee and hang out,” one onlooker remarked.

If you’re not familiar with Columbia, PA, one of the town’s claims to fame is that it was on the shortlist to become the Nation’s Capital, which is why the mayor at the time changed the name of the town from Wright's Ferry to Columbia. But, alas, the town's path was set toward a more humble destiny when the final decision was made to situate Washington D.C. on the banks of the Potomac River on land annexed from Maryland and Virginia.

Free of charge to spectators, the car show in Columbia runs along Locust Street from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. today. The event is a collaborative effort between the Columbia Lions Club and the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce. Those wishing to enter vehicles for a chance to win awards in several categories are asked to donate two non-perishable food items to support the Columbia Food Bank.

According to the organizers, numerous awards will be presented, including trophies for People’s Choice and Best of Show.

Oldies music will serve as a backdrop to the automotive festivities throughout the day. Two kid-friendly local activities are also running concurrently with the car show, including Story Time at the nearby Columbia Public Library, as well as a local Boy Scout troop’s pinewood derby.

Further details are available on the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce website.