Keys to the car show given to a new driver

NORTH BRUNSWICK - The annual Cops & Rodders car show has always been a family affair, but this year the importance of family has become even more significant.

North Brunswick Police Officer Joseph Grasso is behind thewheel of the showfor the first time, eight years after his father, Senior Patrolman Michael Grasso Jr., decided to hand the reins over toDetectiveDavidVarga.

"It felt almost like itwasmy responsibility to step up to the plate. I've been involvedwith the car show for as long as I can remember, since I was a little kid, so I figured I wanted to help out more," Joe Grasso said.

This year's 14th annual show, which benefits the general fund of the North Brunswick Police Death, Retirement, Widows & Orphans fund, will be April 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DeVryUniversity, Route 1 north. The rain date isMay 4.

Itwill feature a variety of cars, trucks,motorcycles and specialty vehicles for viewing. Local departments will bring their DARE cars, and this year an emergency services demonstration is expected.

There will be rides for young children, music by DJ Phil Forti, car-themed accessories sold by vendors and a barbecue manned by members of the police department.

The car show began in 1995 at Carolier Lanes, and then moved to Linwood Middle School as a cruise night. After about five years, attendance grew, so the event moved to DeVry, where more than 500 vehicles are expected each year.

Grasso said hewas always involved, doing "a lot of running around, cooking, T-shirts, registration, photos."

"It is very hectic but an enjoyable time. You're 15, 16 years old and you are running back and forth. You felt important because you're helping your dad out and helping a bunch of guys you hope, one day, that you get to work with," he said.

He and his father are both interested in cars, with the senior Grasso deciding on a car show benefit because of its popularity in the mid-1990s.

"There is a lot of responsibility. I feel like

have some big shoes to fill. I have to live up to a lot of expectations, but that's a good thing also," Joe Grasso said.

The younger Grasso is no stranger to volunteering his time: he joined Fire Company No. 3 years ago and last year participated in the PoliceUnity bike tour fromFlorhamPark to Washington, D.C., to benefit officers who have died in the line of duty.

"I feel it is our obligation to give back to the community. I feel I had awonderful childhood and a great time growing up in this town, so…I want the same for the kids here to experience," he said.

Varga has done just that as well, spending the last eight years at the helm of the show. As the president of the Death and Retirement Fund,which has about 50members, he said he is nowlooking for "someone else to take over, someone younger and with more ideas."

He said the best part about his involvement has been "just seeing everybody enjoying themselves, having people thanking us for what a great day they had."

The particular draw of Cops & Rodders is that it is one of the first shows of the season each year, and it's one that has stayed around for a long time, the detective said.

Yet Varga said the only thing he hopes for in the future, in terms of the show, is good weather.

"Seventy-five degrees and sunny- that's the only thing we want," he said.

The event is free for spectators and is sponsored by Malouf Auto and other local businesses. The carhop-themed T-shirt, which will be for sale, was designed by Wild Bill Productions of South Brunswick.

All vehicles preregistered byApril 18 will receive a 9-by-12-inch plaque. Gates open at 9 a.m. and gate registration closes at 11 a.m. The fee is $15 in advance or $20 at the gate.

For more information, contact Grasso at CopsAndRodders2004@yahoo.com or (732) 247-0922, ext. 686.