by Elsie Walker

On Sat., Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hackettstown is set to be the place to see hundreds of classic and custom cars and other vehicles including fire trucks and recreations of the Dukes of Hazard car and the 1966 Batmobile.

The Wendy’s, Lowes, and Applebee’s Shopping Center in Hackettstown, will be the site of the  10^th annual  Cops ‘n’ Rodders Car Club Car Event. The raindate is Sun., Aug. 21.  It is a judged show with 75 awards and trophies including Best Engine, Best Interior, Best Paint, and Best In Show. Car pre-registration is $15.  

Day of the show registration is $20.  There is no admission fee for spectators. In addition to cars, there will be DJ music, a live band, strong man show, and vendors.   Also, a 50/50 will be held with all proceeds going to the Two Kids Foundation in East Hanover.

For more information contact Ed at 973-945-5287 or email twodropeddie@aol.com or visit copsnroddersnj.com or NorthJersey Cops n Rodders on Facebook.

The president and coordinator of the Cops ‘n’ Rodders car club is car enthusiast Ed Barricella of  Hopatcong.

“Over 15 years ago, I started the Cops ‘n’ Rodders,” explained Barricella. “The name Cops ‘n’ Rodders came about because many of our members had hot rods and were active or retired members of law enforcement, etc.”

He went on to say that the club expects about 300 or more cars at this year’s event. Among those on display are two vehicles that just may bring back some classic TV memories.

“The Dukes of Hazard car is a perfect re-creation.,” he said. “The owner lives in the Hackettstown surrounding area.  He is a technician for Johnson Dodge which is one of our great sponsors.  The 1966 Batmobile is an exact re-creation built by a company in California and stored at another one of my great sponsors, Power Portal Storage in Netcong.”

In addition, there will be fire trucks and rescue equipment from Hackettstown and surrounding areas and spectators can marvel at Strong Man Eric Moss.

“He will be bending all kinds of objects with his bare hands,” said Barricella.   “We also will have many vendors.  Hackettstown vendors and store owners are welcome to attend for free to advertise their business.  Vendors must register prior to the show if they plan to attend.”

DJs for the event will Chris and Kari from SC3 Entertainment.  Barricella noted that they also play at the Cops ‘n’ Rodders Thursday cruise nights which run from May through October at the same location as the car show event. Providing live music will be the Atlanta Cafe Band.

Proceeds of the events 50/50 will go to the Two Kids Foundation.

“We have been with the Two Kids Foundation for the past five years, and yes, some of the board members of the Two Kids Foundations are personal friends,” shared Barricella in explaining how the car club came to know the organization.

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The Two Kids Foundation helps families whose children who have been diagnosed with cancer or other serious diseases by providing funds to help ease the medical expense burden associated with fighting such diseases.  The organization started with a goal of helping two children (thus its name) and has since helped many more.  It partners with the Valerie Center at Morristown Memorial hospital, which refers children and their families in desperate need of help to the foundation, for consideration and support.