By clara turnage

The Natchez Democrat

Vidalia — More than 100 cars are expected to cruise onto the Vidalia riverfront this weekend for the fourth annual Cruising for a Cure Relay For Life Open Car show.

Relay for Life Team Captain Dusty Oaks said this year’s show would be filled with events for families looking for some weekend fun.

The show starts at 9 a.m. Saturday and will be open to the public until approximately 3 p.m.

“All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society,” Oaks said. “It’s all going toward fighting cancer.”

Among the many attractions scheduled for the car show are a raffle, face-painting booth, bingo, silent auction, vendors and a “donkey house” petting zoo.

Concordia Parish firefighters may also bring their trucks by for a visit, Oaks said, and the 2018 Miss Vidalia — Ada Morgan — will also be present.

The event is free to the public, and those wishing to participate can pay $30 to have their car featured.

Oaks said he has already had approximately 100 cars sign up for the showcase, and he anticipates more as the event gets closer.

The City of Vidalia Dog Pound will also be taking donations at the event, and any car-owner who brings an item to donate to the pound will receive $5 off their admission fee.

“So if you bring a bag of dog food to the show, you only have to pay $25,” Oaks said.

Alongside the many activities at the show — including several game vendors — Oaks said a plethora of dining options would also be available.

“We’ll have hamburgers and hotdogs for the kids,” he said. “And barbeque and fried fish and turkey legs and Philly cheese steak available.”

The best part about the event, Oaks said, is that all the proceeds will benefit a truly deserving cause.

“The reason I put on the show is I’m a three-time cancer survivor,” Oaks said. “I wanted to give back and help others fight cancer.”

Oaks was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, 2013 and 2016 and has survived all three cases.

“I went to the doctor just (Tuesday) and he said I was all clear,” Oaks said. “I just want to help give back now.”

In addition to fighting cancer himself, Oaks said he lost his grandfather, grandmother and several friends to cancer.

Such close proximity to the disease, he said, has impassioned him to fight even harder for others.

“It’s just a chance to give back,” he said. “And it’s going to be fun.”