By: Anthony Coppola
BORDENTOWN CITY Bordentown City is celebrating its 325th anniversary by placing some of its most recognizable figures in jail.
Larry Denney, chairman of the anniversary committee, is organizing a "kangaroo court" to raise money for future event costs. The fundraiser will run Sept. 4-8.
"We are having two cells built and they will be in front of the (Friends) Meetinghouse on Farnsworth Avenue," Mr. Denney said. "It will be very visible to the public."
Two volunteers will subject themselves to an hour of captivity while attendees make donations to decide a winner. The loser is placed in a medieval stockade and greeted with a pie to the face from the victor. Mayor Bill Collom and his wife, Esther Collom, are slated to be the first duo to participate.
"I think it’s a definite disadvantage to put me up against my wife," Mayor Collom said. "She’s going to make a lot of money and I’ll probably make nothing, but it should be fun."
Vince Aveni, 80, has been a resident of the city and parishioner of St. Mary’s Church since 1957. He said he is looking forward to being paired with the Rev. Mike Burns.
"It will be good for my humility. I’m a jokester anyway," Mr. Aveni said. "I can stand for an hour and take a pie in the face, it’s just a shame I won’t be able to duck."
Mr. Denney noted that a majority of the money raised will go toward the parade on Sept. 30, and the Colonial costume dance on Oct. 20.
Police Commissioner Jim Lynch and Police Chief Matthew Simmons will experience a role reversal as two "Keystone Cops" see that the city’s top lawmen are placed behind bars.
Consolidated Fire Association members Steve McGowan and Robert Ryan will also serve a sentence and Historical Society members Barry Hausser and Kathy Finch will volunteer their time as well.
Gloria Scholey, a former mayor, and the Rev. Jay Rambo of the First Baptist Church of Bordentown are also on the list. Mr. Denney is still looking for a few more people to help out.
"My wife, Janet, and I are also scheduled," Mr. Denney said. "She is afraid that no one will bail her out."
More events are scheduled throughout the month of September to commemorate the anniversary. On Sept. 15, there will be a Colonial carriage ride. An anniversary Mass at St. Mary’s Church is Sept. 22, at 5 p.m., and the Fashion and Art Expo starts at 6:30 p.m. on the same day.
The Colonial service at the Bordentown Baptist Church is Sept. 23, at 10 a.m. There will also be a Colonial tea party on Sept. 23, at 2 p.m.

