BERNARDSVILLE – It appears Borough Council candidate John McCrossan will ride to the polls in style on Election Day.

McCrossan, a first-time candidate who is running as an Independent along with incumbent Joseph Rossi for two seats on the governing body on Nov. 8, was the grand prize winner of the Bernardsville Fire Company’s 2005 building drive raffle – a new red, Audi A4 Convertible.

The drawing was held during the fire company’s “wetdown” on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Mine Brook Road firehouse.

The Laurelwood Drive resident bought the winning $50 ticket during the borough’s second annual “Unity Day’’ celebration held on Saturday, Sept. 24.

On Sunday, he said he had attended the wetdown briefly, but had gone home prior to the 9 p.m. drawing. He was contacted about the win at 9:30 p.m.

“I couldn’t believe I won,’’ he said. “It was the first time I had won anything like that.”

Not that McCrossan got a free gift. He said his prize will cost him about $8,500 in taxes.

The Audi was donated for the raffle by Audi of Bernardsville.

Fire Company spokesman Randy Steinkopf said between 600 and 800 people attended the Saturday night wetdown, held to celebrate the purchase of the company’s 3,500-gallon water tanker, the refurbishment of two antique trucks, and the construction of additional bays and second-floor to the firehouse.

Joining the festivities were borough residents and members of fire companies from as far away as Ocean County.

The firehouse will play host to more festivities during a free open house to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 9, as the borough kicks off Fire Prevention Week.

Activities will include fire engine rides, refreshments, fire prevention movies and a talk for children about fire safety.

©Recorder Newspapers 2005