Thunder on the River

Barry Doutrich's legacy lives on.

SUBMISSION

The first Thunder on the River car and motorcycle show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, in Columbia.

The show will feature more than 300 vehicles, including antique, classic and custom cars, muscle cars, lead sleds, street rods and motorcycles.

Show organizers — Rivertownes PA USA, Columbia Lions and the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce — will award more than 100 trophies, including Best of Show and People's Choice. Oldies music will serve as a backdrop for a fun-filled day. Admission is free for spectators. The show will be held rain or shine.

In 2005, Columbia resident Barry Doutrich held the first Cruisin' Columbia Car Show. Since then, the car show has grown to include more than 400 cars and motorcycles and has become an annual tradition for residents and visitors alike. The show brings thousands of visitors to the area to explore local history, visit local museums and shop in local businesses.

A few months after the 9th annual Cruisin' Columbia in 2013, Doutrich passed away after a courageous battle with ALS. Upon his passing, Doutrich's family requested that the Cruisin' Columbia name be retired and that any future car show not be named in his memory. Consistent with those wishes, the three nonprofit organizations have teamed up to continue the event under a new name: Thunder on the River Car Show.

With the support of Doutrich's wife, Barb, Ed Jones of Maytown, a family friend, will present a trophy in memory of Doutrich.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the ALS Association to support the fight against Lou Gehrig's Disease, Columbia Borough police initiatives, Columbia Food Bank and the three presenting organizations.

Car and motorcycle owners can call 684-5249 or go to parivertowns.com to register.