While the recent sunny weather is among the few signs that summer is  actually here, a sign that summer is about over will take place next weekend at Bridgeport High School. On Saturday, August 1, the BHS football team will once again be holding its annual car wash fundraiser.

 

The event will go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the high school. Coach Josh Nicewarner said it will take place “rain or shine.”

 

The purpose of the event, as expected, is to produce needed funds for the football team. However, money raised through this event will go specifically toward funding the team’s weekly spaghetti dinners.

 

“We used to charge the parents $20 for the spaghetti dinner and (former Coach) Bruce (Carey) didn’t like continually asking the parents for money so he found a way to make the boys earn it with the carwash,” said Nicewarner. “We take the money that we raise and give it to the senior parents to use for those dinners instead of hitting them up for money to make it happen.

 

While Nicewarner said the tradition with the dinners and in front of BHS is new, he also said it’s been done in the past by various youth groups. Nicewarner added that they used to even do interior cleaning of cars.

 

“That was a lot of fun. I still remember (former player Chris Enourato’s father) Mr. (Chris) Enourato coming down and we’d clean his car out and you’d always feel bad because it was dirtier when he left than when he brought it down to us,” said Nicewarner with a laugh. “You usually end up getting some good stories out of these car washes and I think the kids enjoy it too.”

 

Starting next week, Nicewarner said individuals can contact any Bridgeport High School football player about purchasing tickets for the car wash in advance. He said the donation for the car wash is $5, but that individuals can – and often do – donate more to the cause. In the event you don’t have a ticket, just show up the day of the car wash.

 

“This is one of the ways we wrap things up for the summer as far as conditioning and it’s the way we get ready to welcome the start of football,” said Nicewarner. "The kids and coaches will do as good a job as possible, but we want people to remember this won't be a professional detailing job. Still, they're going to get a nice wash and, quite frankly, $5 for a car wash is a pretty good deal."

 

The Indians begin practice, as do all fall sports with the exception of volleyball, on August 3. The Indians will go into the season as the two-time defending Class AA state champions.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Coach Josh Nicewarner at work during last year's event, while in the bottom photo it shows that the helpers aren't just limited to the football players. Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.