CHOCOWINITY — The Chocowinity Fire Department is gearing up to host its eighth annual Spring Heat car, truck and motorcycle show this weekend.

The event will be held Saturday on the campus of Chocowinity Middle School, according to show chairman Charlie Elks. Registration runs from 8 a.m. to noon. The show is one of the department’s fundraising projects and the community is welcome to attend.

Elks and his family travel to car shows and swap meets across the state, and their interest sparked the idea for the Chocowinity show.

“We decided to do a car show as a fundraiser for the department,” Elks said. “The Down East Rods & Classics club helped us get it off the ground.”

In good weather, the show draws over 100 entries, according to Elks. This year’s event includes a new category open to owners of “big rig” trucks.

Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. Saturday and results will be posted on the show’s Facebook page. Trophies will be presented in a variety of categories, including best car, best truck, best bike, Top 50, best interior, best engine, best paint and Sponsors’ Choice.

Elks said his family became interested in classic cars quite a few years ago.

“My dad has always done body work on the side, and when my brother was 12 he decided he wanted to fix a car,” he recalled. “I enjoy the electrical part of it, putting everything back.”

Between Elks, his father and his brother, the family has more than 15 competed auto projects; they are currently working on three others. Elks himself still owns a 1998 Trans Am he purchased new, as well as a 1969 Firebird he restored.

The show will also feature a barbecue chicken dinner fundraiser, and vendors will display and sell a wide range of arts, crafts and gift items. Disc jockeys will provide musical entertainment throughout the day.

For more information about the show, contact Elks at 252-945-1248.

Vendors interested in renting booth space may contact Regina Elks at 252-945-0601.