North Bergen’s 5th Annual Classic Car and Bike Show took over the north end of Bergenline Avenue on Sept. 19. The crowd ranged from toddlers on tricycles to seniors reminiscing about their vintage rides.
Reinvented for the pandemic era, the event skipped the judges, speeches, and awards of past years and instead offered a simple day of viewing up close the impressive collection of beautiful vehicles.
An afternoon of fun
Freeholder Anthony Vainieri, who organized the event with the participation of the North Bergen Police Department, was on hand from morning ’til night to check out the cars and greet attendees.
On social media, Vainieri said the event was “just a nice afternoon to walk around and admire the cars.”
Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Commissioners Julio Cabrera and Allen Pascual, and many township officials and employees were also onsite.
Originally held as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics, this year’s event skipped the fees and fundraising.
Instead, it was a fun, social day to get out of the house, enjoy the weather, and snap pictures of the 150 or so vehicles, while classic rock and roll tunes played in the background.
The show coincided with the township’s “Eat and Shop Local” event, which closed Bergenline Avenue to traffic from 76th to 85th Street for restaurants to expand into the street.
Some restaurants provided live music to enhance the experience as residents dined outdoors on delicious international cuisine.
‘Eat and Shop Local’ comes to a close
After two months of food, fun, and community support, the Eat and Shop Local event is closing for the season.
Bergenline will be closed to traffic between 70th and 76th Streets from 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 through 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27.
The street will be transformed into a pedestrian mall for the last time this season, with restaurants branching out to offer outside dining with social distancing.
Participating restaurants include America Central Restaurant, Banana King, Brass Rail Pub, Charro Mexicano, El Carretero Restaurante and Panederia, Las Chicas Bakery and Cafe, Estelita Grill and Bar, Gandolfo Pizzeria and Restaurant, El Maizalito Colombiano, Noches Restaurant, The One and Only Bar & Restuarant, Sabor Criollo, Taqueria Mexicana, and Teri Teri Japanese Restaurant.
Mayor Sacco and the township commissioners invite all to come out for the end-of-season festivities and “enjoy a delicious meal, live entertainment, and show your support for our local small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic.”
Attendees are reminded to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
