Here’s what you need to know before the annual Mother’s Day Truck Convoy in Lancaster County

Get ready to rev your engines – or head out to watch them rev up: This year’s Mother’s Day Truck Convoy is just around the corner. Lancaster County’s annual truck convoy, which draws thousands of people from across central Pennsylvania on Mother’s Day to raise funds for Make-A-Wish is kicking off its 35th consecutive year.

“We are excited to return to Manheim Pennsylvania auto auction for this milestone year,” Jennifer Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, said in a news release. “This event brings together the local community, wish kids, and passionate and generous drivers to help make wishes possible for kids when they need it most.”

When is it?

Sunday, May 12. The event opens at 9 a.m. with a carnival featuring food, games and music. Take-out dinners are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A few of the organization’s leaders and chosen attendees will speak on the main stage at noon. The pickup for an online auction, which is open through Sunday, is from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The convoy itself runs from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Where is it?

The Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction, at 1190 Lancaster Road (Route 72), where the convoy starts a 25-mile route around the Mount Joy area. The route goes westward to Route 772, continues west on Route 283 before heading south on Cloverleaf Road to pick up Route 230 eastbound.

How will the convoy be impacted by the Route 30 closure in Manheim Township?

The convoy itself won’t be impacted, but it could delay arrivals to the event. Portions of Route 30 in Manheim Township will be closed with detours in place starting Friday night, which is predicted to displace over 97,000 vehicles a day.

How many people attend?

At least 15,000 people line the route to watch the over 200 trucks at the convoy each year. There are no road closures for the event, and free parking is available at the auto auction.

Who receives the funds?

Make-A-Wish. The event raises over 75% of the funds each year for the Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley chapter.

How do you participate?

Each driver must raise at least $100. Registration is open until the convoy begins; you can register here. More information can also be found at wishconvoy.org.