The ninth annual event supports preservation and restoration to township historical sites.
The Washington Township Historical Preservation Commission will hold its ninth annual Classic Car Show on Saturday, April 29. Members of the community are invited as spectators and car owners to benefit the commission and its restoration efforts.
What started as a fundraising effort for the Olde Stone House and Historic Village has grown to a much larger community event. According to Chairman Nicholas Appice, the first year had about 15 to 20 cars registered, however, they see close to 75 to 100 cars now.
All proceeds go back to the commission, unfunded by the township, and its conservation of historical sites, such as the Olde Stone House and Historic Village. Last year, the funds helped complete a stained glass window project for the property’s church, as well as restoration for the exterior of the Blackwood Railroad Station. This year, Appice said, the focus will be on restoration of the Olde Stone House, such as doors, windows, wood replacements and other exterior necessities.
This year’s event, being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Olde Stone House Village, located at 208 Egg Harbor Road in Sewell, will feature many family-friendly activities. Attendees can enter a 50/50 raffle, participate in a basket auction, win door prizes and receive giveaways. Absolute DJs will provide music, food will be available, including Steve’s Grilled Cheese, and the paranormal research group, NJ Researchers of Paranormal Evidence, will be on site. All of the buildings within the village will also be open for viewing.
“It’s a great family event,” Appice said. “There’s a lot going on, whether you like to see the buildings and cars, or just want to come out and have a picnic.”
New this year will be an antique fire truck and an emergency response class for car owners. The first 100 to register will receive a dash plaque, and participants who pre-register their vehicles will receive a free 8”x10” photo of their car. Those who were unable to pre-register will be able to purchase a photo for a small fee.
A trophy for the best participation by a car club will be awarded to the club that brings the most vehicles, a “best in showing,” Appice said.
According to Appice, the event has seen car clubs and owners from around the state, as well as from Pennsylvania and as far as Ohio.
One of the coolest cars Appice has seen at the show was from a club that built its own rat rods, custom cars that, in most cases, imitate early hot rods of the 1900s.
“They built a car together with bits and pieces of everything they could find,” Appice said. “They had suitcases on the hood, door knobs for car handles; it was unique.”
Registration costs $15, and spectators may enter for free. A rain date is set for April 30. For more information or to register your car, email townshiphistory1836@gmail.com.
