On Sunday, car novices and enthusiasts alike will gather at Lizard Creek Ranch, 1762 Johnson Ave. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and cars from the ride will gather at the location after noon, though spectators can peer in at about half the cars on display before noon.

The annual cruise will start with hundreds of cars making the journey from 10 different points around Iowa and southern Minnesota, coasting through Iowa’s highway veins to the Fort Dodge destination. Last year, over 1,000 cars attended.

Those hoping to catch the beauties in action during the cruise can do so at Dolliver Memorial State Park late in the morning. Cruisers will gather in Stratford at 11:15 a.m., take Iowa Highway 7, route west through Lehigh and Dolliver Memorial State Park and meander to U.S. Highway 169 to head north to Fort Dodge.

Organizer Barb Briggs said the cruising aspect of the annual event is what makes the experience unique among myriad car shows.

-Messenger file photo
A 1964 Ford Galaxie convertible, as identified by the announcer, rolls past spectators towards the entrance to Sunkissed Meadows during the 2016 Cruise to the Woods cruise and car show.

“People want to get out and drive their car and enjoy that part of it,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun to be going down the road, look in your rear view mirror, and as far back as you can see behind you and as far as you can see in front of you there are cool cars.”

Weather conditions for a leisurely ride appear clear, with a slight chance of rain predicted for Sunday. Briggs said previous years contended with fickle weather.

“People want to be able to get out and do things,” Briggs said. “Even if you don’t want to do all of it, just being able to cruise in your car is enough for a lot of people.”

Spectator entrance fees, $5 per car admitted, benefit the Fort Dodge / Webster County Sheriff Reserve, who will assist with directing parking during the event. The new venue this year, a change from Sunkissed Meadows Golf Course, features indoor restrooms.

Cruisers can still enter their car for the ride and show, too — all cars and motorcycles are accepted for a $20 entry fee. Organizers ask that those attending provide exact change. Fees raised to run the endeavor benefit a variety of non-profit causes and help preserve the show for future years.

Participants and spectators are asked to wear masks at least in the indoor buildings and at registration, and to practice safe social distancing throughout the event.

“We tried to make it as safe as possible,” Briggs said. “The people don’t usually pack in, they come throughout the day.”

Prizes, t-shirts and food vendors will be available. This year’s prizes feature pedal car giveaways.

For more information, visit the website at wccruisers.com.