Volunteers Maureen Boomsma and Penelope Boomsma of Blandford, and Kevin Benoit of Chicopee sell food and raffle tickets at Russell Family Fun Day 2024.
Reminder Publishing photo by Amy Porter
RUSSELL — The Russell Police Association will host its annual Family Fun Day and Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Strathmore Park. Admission is free.
“We’re going to be more kid oriented this year,” said Russell-Montgomery Police Chief Kevin Hennessey.
He said there will be a pirate ship bounce house for toddlers and a water slide bounce house for older kids, face painting, popcorn, contests and activities.
Representing public safety will be local sheriffs, state police, Westfield Cadets and the Lifestar helicopter. New this year will be a children’s touch a truck area, Hennessey said. “We are inviting local municipalities to send a vehicle (police, fire, EMS, DPW) to our event for the children to see and touch.
The Boston Bruins mascot Blades, who recently visited the Russell Public Library, will also be making an appearance at the Family Fun Day event.
The car show will be featured in the morning hours with DJ Gary Francis from the Westfield Cruisers, and there is space available. “We’re always open to classic cars or show cars,” Hennessey said.
Volunteers from the Russell Police Association will be serving hamburgers, hot dogs, salad and a drink for a donation of $6, which goes to helping the Association with its support of the community and the Police Department.
“This year, the Association just donated $250 toward a portable breath-tester for the department, and are looking to buy tactical vests. They know the town’s got constrained budgets,” Hennessey said, adding that they also provide holiday meals for families in the area, and support Toys for Tots.
Children under 12 eat for free, and ice cream sundaes will be free for both kids and adults.
There will be live music by the band “Bad Little Kittie,” local vendors and “some really cool items to raffle off,” Hennessey said, adding that there is still space for vendors.
“As our event continues to grow we are always looking for volunteers to help with various tasks such as parking cars, assisting with raffles, etc.,” he said.
Vendors who wish to participate or anyone interested in volunteering may contact the department at 413-862-6209 or Officer Hess by email at chess@townofrussell.us.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s a good payoff as far as the experience,” Hennessey said. “We’re hoping for great weather on Aug. 23, and we’re expecting a good crowd.”
