Even before this year’s Concours in the Hills happens on Saturday, Feb. 9, registration and sponsorship fees have surpassed the amount raised last year for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The 2018 show showcased 750 ultra-high performance, luxury and classic vehicles from imported and domestic manufacturers. An estimated 20,000 spectators attended; more than $117,000 was raised for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Spectator admission and parking is free.

Founder and town resident Peter Volny anticipates even higher numbers this year. Last week he said $122,000 already had been raised in registration fees and he expected the final amount to be closer to $130,000.

Those wanting to display a car can pay as little as $60 and can register online at givetopchf.org/concoursinthehills.

The entries are arranged by vehicle brand. Awards are given for Best Domestic, Best Import and Best of Show. A new award this year will be Best Car Club display.

The event officially begins at 10 a.m. and continues until 3 p.m. but vehicles start arriving as early as 6 a.m.

Saguaro Boulevard between El Lago and Palisades Boulevard will be closed to motorists. Car carriers and trailers hauling the vehicles will be allowed to park on Saguaro so guests can view the cars being loaded and unloaded. At least a third more park space will be devoted to display cars and handle food trucks.

Three new sections will be created. A new area will be devoted to racing cars. A genuine Shelby section will be added along with a Ford GT 40 area.

At least two confirmed entries are valued in excess of $10 million each, said Volny.

He was informed that a convoy of Albuquerque car owners plans to drive to Fountain Hills. He also has heard from Las Vegas, San Diego and Los Angeles residents who plan to attend.

Returning dignitaries will be two-time Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, a town resident; Indy Car champion Paul Tracy, Indy Car driver Lyn St. James and Mirage Driver and team owner Harley Cluxton.

Bob Bondurant, founder of Bondurant Driving School, also will participate in the opening ceremony.

New this year will be Didier Theys, a retired Ferrari factory driver and possibly two Indy 500 winners who are Phoenix area residents both Indy 500 winners, Tom Sneva and Buddy Rice.

The Concours is supported by the leading car clubs of Arizona representing Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren, Maserati, Jaguar, Corvette, Viper, Ford GT, Lotus, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, DeTomaso, DeLorean, Mustang, Cadillac and others

More than 80 sponsors have signed on to display automotive products and services.

The first show took place in 2014. Volny thought cars look better on grass and wanted to attract more people to boost the town.

As the show expanded, he transferred ownership of the show to Scuderia Southwest, the largest car club in Arizona with a following of more than 2,000.

Volny is one of the club’s five directors that also organize the monthly Scottsdale Motorsports Gathering at the Mayo 101 plaza.