Fender Bender to bring more cars, more wrestlers in second year

Jul 15, 2012

The Fender Bender will bring more cars and bikes, more vendors, and more wrestlers to Onset Village when the second annual event rolls into town.

The free event, which is hosted by Sinners and Saints Tattoo and sponsored by dozens of local businesses, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Onset Band Shell on July 28. Approximately 300 to 400 vehicles are expected.

Wrestling legends Jimmy Hart, Tito Santana, Blue Meanie, and Nunzio will sign autographs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and put on a wrestling show from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Don't let the wrestlers and fast cars scare you -- the Fender Bender is family-friendly. Sinners and Saints owner Roger Chouinard organized the event last year to celebrate the shop's fifth year in business. Now, it's an annual birthday party.

"Sinners and Saints throws a great birthday party," Chouinard said with a smile. The shop's sixth birthday was this spring. "An 'appreciation' birthday party for the town."

In addition to cars and motorcycles of all shapes, sizes, and model years, Chouinard says dozens of vendors will be selling everything from clothing to jewelry to novelty items.

A raffle featuring Boston Bruins and New England Patriots sports memorabilia, shirts and drum sticks from Joey Kramer of Aerosmith, Zildjian cymbals, Sinners and Saints gift certificates, and other goodies will also be held. The proceeds will benefit 10-year-old John Dykeman of Sandwich -- a friend of the shop, Chouinard explained -- who suffers from muscular dystrophy.

There is no cure for muscular dystrophy, and because the disease causes the progressive loss of muscle strength, John is losing his ability to walk. Chouinard said he hopes the proceeds from the raffle will help the family purchase a wheelchair for John.

The Fender Bender was an enormous success in its first year.

"Last year, there were almost 3,000 people here," said Chouinard. "We expected five- to six-hundred."

And organizers expect even more people this year. Chouinard said he is working with the town to get Union Avenue shut down for the day so attendees can peruse the vehicles without having to worry about traffic.

"It's free, it's a good time, and it's very family-oriented," Chouinard said, adding: "And a chance to see hall-of-fame wrestlers for free!"