Norvelt Volunteer Fire Department’s Parking Lot Bash and Car Cruise is set to return for its fourth consecutive year — offering a day of food, prizes, music and more.

Located in the parking lot of the VFD at 2325 Mt. Pleasant Road in Mt. Pleasant Township, the event will run from noon until 6 p.m. on Aug. 26, with Aug. 27 as a rain date.

Fire Chief Matthew Zelenak encouraged locals to “come and spend the day” at the free event by bringing chairs, even if they aren’t participating in the car cruise, since there will be activities offered for the event’s duration.

Started during the coronavirus pandemic, the event’s original purpose was to enable the department to raise funds despite indoor gathering restrictions. But now, it’s become one of Norvelt’s biggest fundraisers, Zelenak said.

“It’s just a good thing,” Zelenak said, “a good day to support the fire department.”

Last year, there were almost 200 cars in the cruise, and Zelenak said it would be nice to see the same amount this year — as long as the weather cooperates.

The car cruise is entry by donation, and every car owner receives a dash plaque and goodie bag, according to Zelenak.

Several food trucks will be at the event, and there will be a beer tent and alcohol slushies for those over 21, according to the VFD’s Facebook page.

As for entertainment, there will be a DJ from noon until 3 p.m., and the band Brothers Kelly will play a variety of music from 3-6 p.m.

Mary Hontz, treasurer of the Norvelt VFD Ladies Auxiliary, has been helping plan the event for the past four years, specifically the prize raffles, which include purses, guns, baskets and more.

Some of the items include coolers, outdoor furniture, fire pits, gas grills, gift cards for restaurants and gas stations, as well as themed baskets such as back-to-school, s’mores and Bath & Body Works, for example.

Hontz said there are five different purse sets — Kate Spade and Michael Kors — that winners will be able to take home.

“We just try to mix a little bit of everything so that everyone can enjoy it,” Hontz said.

Zelenak said they will post pictures of some of the prizes on the Norvelt VFD Facebook page to incentivize people to attend.

“It takes a lot of people to pull this off, and obviously the community support is the biggest thing we need,” Zelenak said.

Funds raised will go toward Norvelt’s new fire station, which is “just about done” being built, Zelenak said. And any left over will go toward day-to-day operations, such as maintaining equipment and buying new items.

“It’s a long week, but it’s worth it,” Hontz said.

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