Vintage cars filled the field at Strathmore Park during the 2025 fair.
Reminder Publishing file photo
RUSSELL — The Russell Police Association will hold its annual Family Fun Day and Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Strathmore Park.
In its eighth year, the event has grown to have a cultural impact in the hilltowns, according to Russell-Montgomery Police Chief Kevin Hennessey, who added that admission is free.
“Last year, the attendance was well over 1,000 people, with 120 show cars. This year’s event, we’re looking to make it bigger and better, and bring the community and public safety together,” Hennessey said, adding that there will be a strong presence of area police departments and fire departments.
The Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, the Hilltown Community Ambulance and other emergency service personnel will also be in attendance, and two helicopters are scheduled to land during the day: LifeStar and the Mass State Police.
The car show, which takes place in the morning and still has spaces available, will be emceed by DJ Gary and the Cruisers, who will also handle entertainment throughout the day. Cars can register on the day of the show for $10.
Hennessey said trophies will be awarded in various categories, including the Hallock Trophy, which honors George Hallock, the founder of Hotrods for Heroes and a Russell resident. Anyone with questions may contact Officer Cameron Hess at CHess@townofrussell.us.
There will be free activities for children, including a new bubble play and activity area, a bounce house, a water slide, free face painting and free popcorn. Per usual, Henessey said the police chief will go under the water bucket in the reverse dunk tank, which he’s calling Chief’s Challenge this year.
New this year will be a pie-eating contest for adults and children. Free children’s bicycle helmets will be given away as part of the department’s bicycle safety efforts, and the Scouts and Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation will also be there with interactive booths.
A full lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, potato and macaroni salads, baked beans and watermelon will be served under the pavilion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prices, which have risen slightly because of higher food costs, are $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 7 to 13 and free for children 6 and under.
There will be many local vendors and “some really cool items to raffle off,” Hennessey said. There is still space for vendors for $40 per booth. Anyone interested in reserving a booth may contact Officer Cameron Hess at CHess@townofrussell.us.
Hennessey said the Police Association will sell Back the Blue 2026 Family Fun Day and Car Show T-shirts, which feature a patch that commemorates this year’s Family Fun Day on the front and a flag on the back.
Proceeds raised at the event help supplement equipment for the Police Department. This year, they are looking to purchase ballistic shields for police cruisers to enhance officer safety. Proceeds are also reinvested in Haunted Strathmore, which takes place Oct. 23 and 24, and in the department’s community outreach, such as holiday meals for families and Toys for Tots.
Hennessey said the Family Fun Day has something for everybody in the family. “We’re really proud and happy that we can pull off such an event,” he said.
