A 1930s Ford Victoria was shown during a past Show-n-Shine during the Medford Cruise at Fichtner-Mainwaring Park. Hundreds of cars will appear.

Over 400 cars are already registered for the 38th annual Medford Cruise event, some from as far away as Florida and Idaho.

“We have some cars registered this year that people haven’t seen before,” said Arleen Roberts, vice president of the Medford Cruise Association.

This year’s event on Saturday, June 17, at Fichtner-Mainwaring Park, 334 Holmes Ave., Medford, offers judging of the classic flagship ‘79 and Older Show-n-Shine, the recently added ‘80 and Newer Show-n-Shine, both from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the actual cruise through the main streets of Medford at night.

“That (the ‘80s and newer show) was added a couple of years ago to try and encourage the younger crowd to get involved with the car shows, to keep this alive. They have their own style — the mini-trucks and ‘80s cars. We’re trying to open it up and bring them in,” she said.

Roberts described her own show car as “sticking out like a sore thumb,” a bright green 1968 Dodge Charger. Her own love of classic cars has gone on for 40 years, she said.

“It’s a life. It’s not just a hobby, it’s a life,” she said.

She’s been grateful to find a lively community of classic-loving motorheads in the Rogue Valley. The area is a hot spot for classic cars, and has been for decades. There’s “always something going on,” between Cars and Coffee on Saturdays and smaller organized cruises, Roberts said.

But the Medford Cruise is one of the biggest events for classic cars in the valley, and it’s an event with a higher purpose beyond the cars themselves. The Medford Cruise Association is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that’s held its annual shows as fundraisers since 1986.

“Over the last 37 years, we’ve raised $500,000 for local youth programs,” Roberts said.

After the Shows-n-Shines are over, just as the afternoon light starts to soften, the cars will take to the road from 5 to 8 p.m. for the annual Downtown Cruise. The line of cars will begin the cruise at Heritage Motors, on the corner of Central Avenue and Second Street. The route will then wind its way down Central Avenue to W. Main Street, across Ivy Street, down Sixth Street and along Front Street before completing the loop back on Second Street.

Food vendors, such as Uncle Buck’s Concession and Bubbilistic, will have food and beverages available for purchase.

While the event is free to attend, the cost to show or cruise at the event is $50, Roberts said. Registration also comes with a “goodie bag” — a T-shirt and dash plaque. The money collected will be awarded to a local youth program, as yet to be determined for this year.

Every car participating has the potential to win one of the many awards available — from Best of Show, to Mayor’s Choice, and the Best Cruise. Trophies will be awarded from 1 to 4 p.m. at the park.

To prevent a long line on Friday, June 16, when drivers can register and/or pick up their Cruise packet, Roberts encouraged pre-registration — possible online through the association’s website, medfordcruise.org until Friday. In-person registration and packet pick-up will be available from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Fichtner-Mainwaring Park. Registration will also be available on Saturday, the day of the event, beginning at 8 a.m.

For further details, including a schedule of events, updates and map of the cruise route, see medfordcruise.org or facebook.com/medfordcruise.