'Dukes of Hazzard' star Tom Wopat to appear in Pottsville this weekend

Aug. 6—POTTSVILLE — One of the "good ole boys" from Hazzard County will appear once again this weekend during the 24th Annual Great Pottsville Car Cruise.

Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke on the hit 1980s television show "The Dukes of Hazzard," will be appearing at the car cruise on Saturday.

Wopat will sign autographs and take pictures with fans of the show, which ran from 1979 through 1985.

"I was there last year and had a great time," Wopat told The Daily Item this week. "Everyone was great and I was so excited to be asked back this year."

Wopat said he has been through Central Pennsylvania numerous times throughout his career, and each time it becomes more and more special.

"I used to come to Hershey all the time and I loved visiting with all the fans," he said.

Wopat said every appearance he makes, he is still amazed by the generational gaps in fans of "The Dukes of Hazzard."

"We still see so many various generations of fans," he said. "It's great to see.

"One third of the people are kids, who are third and fourth generation fans of the show. This show will live on and on long after I am gone. It was iconic, and I never expected this when we were filming."

Wopat said he still speaks to cast members Ben Jones, who played Cooter, John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, and Catherine Bach, who played the Dukes' cousin, Daisy Duke.

"We are all still fairly close," he said. "I see John and Cathy and Ben a lot."

Wopat will be joined this year by "Dukes of Hazzard" cast members, Jeff "Huey Hogg" Altman and Byron "Coy Duke" Cherry.

Cruise Chairman Joe Spotts said he is excited for the event and for the return of Wopat.

"It was a great day last year and now we are getting some of his partners in crime this year," he said Tuesday. "We have had great support from the community for sponsorships and we are expecting a fantastic turnout."

The car show starts at noon and will last until 5 p.m. at the Humane Fire Company, at 200 Humane Ave.

The Dukes will be there signing from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Wopat is also scheduled to meet with fans at Big Diamond Speedway, at 392 Forest Lane, in Pottsville, on Friday evening, where he will also meet with fans prior to the start of racing at 6 p.m., and sing the National Anthem.