It’s been 27 years since the Ripon Police Department and the Menlo Park Police Department first started hosting their annual emergency vehicle car show in the community center park on Fourth Street – highlighted with most of the vehicles driving through city streets with red lights and sirens.

The event doubles as a law enforcement recruiting fair where many departments will be seeking new recruits from those attending the Saturday, Oct. 7, event. The car show includes vehicles from the military and police and sheriffs’ departments, CHP showing Camaros and Mustang patrol cars – along with law enforcement motorcycles.  Fire trucks, hearses, ambulances, SWAT vehicles, K-9 units and mobile command units will also be displayed. 

Public agency vehicle registration is free. Privately owned vehicles will require a $35 registration fee.  The equipping of 1998 vehicles or newer to appear like working police cars is discouraged and may only be approved by the show staff on a person by person meeting.

The first day of the event, Friday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. the early arriving entries will join in a cruise escorted by the Ripon Police Department to an area restaurant for dinner. Any vehicle registering for the show is welcome at 1 p.m. on Saturday for a slow speed “code 3” parade consisting of historic emergency vehicles through the community. 

For more information contact event coordinator Darryl Lindsay at 650-743-4486 or visit the official website at www.riponmenloparkpolicecarshow.com. 

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.