It’s time to celebrate the classics. On Saturday, August 9 from noon to 4 p.m. at The Residence At Hilltop assisted living community in Carroll Township, the classics will be cars and music.

The festivities will mark the fourth annual Lost Drive-In Classic Car Fest to be held at the historic site on Route 837 that was home to the Hilltop Drive-In Theater for many years.

“I’m sure most people in this area remember the Hilltop Drive-In movie theater,” Jason Spin, director of sales and marketing at The Residence At Hilltop, said. “It was one of the most popular family entertainment spots in the region for so many years.”

Spin said the classic car fest is designed to “bring back memories to those who remember drive-in movie theaters in general and the Hilltop in particular.”

“Many of our residents, their families and visitors often recall going to see movies at the Hilltop Drive-In,” Spin said. “They have fond memories of those days and the fun they had.”

Spin, who is coordinating the August 9 event with Erin Younkin, activities assistant at The Residence, said the car show is designed to be “like the Hilltop (theater) ... something for the entire family to enjoy. The classic and custom cars accompanied by oldies music certainly will provide a good bit of nostalgia,” he said.

The Hilltop Drive-In operated for many years at the Route 837 site before closing. The property was sold to the Carroll Township Volunteer Fire Department, which held one of the region’s largest flea markets there for a number of years. In 1996, the firemen sold the property to Mon-Vale Non-Acute Health Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc., parent company of Monongahela Valley Hospital, for construction of The Residence At Hilltop. The Residence opened June 1, 1997.

“Even the name, Hilltop, perpetuates the link to history that remains here,” Spin said. “The Residence At Hilltop is a very appropriate name for this setting.”

Spin said the car fest is open to all owners of cars 15 years or older. “You don’t have to be a member of an antique or classic car club, although we certainly welcome those groups as well,” Spin said.” And spectators are encouraged to attend. We know there are classic car enthusiasts who may not own cars but who like to see them and, in a sense, relive the good old days.”

Trophies will be awarded for People’s Choice and other car categories, and the first 50 entrants will receive free dash plaques with registration.

The event also will feature disc jockey Jim Dudas, who will play oldies music and a variety of children’s activities are planned.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Charles L. and Rose Sweeney Melenyzer Pavilion and Regional Cancer Center on the campus of Monongahela Valley Hospital.

Spin urged classic car owners interested in participating in the event to “register as early as possible.” The first 40 registrants are free and each registration thereafter is $10. Registration forms and additional information are available at 724-258-8940. Rain date is Saturday, August 16.