Todd Arslanian, a member of the St. Patrick’s Committee organizing a car show in Feeding Hills, sits on his customized 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster. He will show the bike at the Sept. 13 event at the Polish American Club of Agawam.
Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
AGAWAM — Car shows are popular events — both for people who enjoy showing their vehicles and for the people who enjoy coming to the shows to admire them.
That’s why the Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee decided to organize a car show as one of its 25th anniversary fundraising activities. “Car people really enjoy getting together, hanging out, sharing their passion and showing off their vehicles,” said Todd Arslanian, a member of the committee. “It’s a fun way to bring together people with a common interest.”
Abbie Fiore, the committee’s president, said they were looking for fundraising options that were different from their usual ones. Arslanian and several other committee members who own classic cars or motorcycles — or have an interest in them — suggested the car show.
The show is slated for Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Polish American Club of Agawam, 139 Southwick St. in Feeding Hills. It will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and also will include a vendor fair that will support local businesses and vendors throughout Agawam and surrounding towns.
Arslanian, who plans to show his customized 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle, said what he enjoys most about his motorcycle is riding it. “It’s the freedom, the wind on my face, and just being out on the road. I’ve always wanted a motorcycle, and I especially enjoy riding with friends and family.”
As a car enthusiast — he also owns a 1965 Chevy Bel Air sedan — Arslanian said he was trying to think outside the box when he suggested the car show.
“I thought it could be something fun for everyone while also raising money for a good cause. We’ll test drive it this year and if it is a success, we’ll probably do it again,” he said.
The committee hopes to attract 50 vehicles of all types. The entry fee for cars and trucks is $20 while motorcycles are $15. There is no admission fee for spectators.
Fiore said the committee’s overall fundraising goal for this year is $15,000. “We’re hopeful the car show will help make a big impact on this goal. This season is the 25th Irish Season in Agawam and we are currently working on the production and development of the Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee’s tartan.”
She added that much of the committee’s fundraising will be used to create a tartan unique to Agawam. The St. Patrick tartan is a traditional Highland pattern honoring Ireland’s patron saint, with variations in color and weave that reflect centuries of dyeing techniques. Agawam is one the few local St. Patrick’s committees in the area without a tartan.
Funds also will be used for building the committee’s float for the 2027 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade as well as activities and opportunities for the colleen and her court.
Ava Levesque, Agawam’s 2026 colleen, and her court — as well as some colleens and court members from past seasons — will be at the event throughout the day along with Agawam’s 2026 “Irish Monopoly”-themed float. Doug Reed, the committee’s past president and a local DJ, plans to spin his platters of music on the float.
Food and beverages will be available to purchase from the club. The committee also will be doing a raffle with prizes from local businesses and vendors as well as a 50/50 raffle.
The vendor fair will include a variety of small businesses from Agawam and surrounding areas. Items will range from gift baskets to Irish gifts to coffee creations to car pipes to dog treats. Among the vendors: Graceful Designs (a gift basket and all-occasion gifts), Highland Card-Irish Shop in Agawam, The White Shanty (a mobile coffee bar) and S&S Handmade Soap.
Show vehicles and motorcycles should plan to arrive at 9:30 that morning. For more information email agawamstpatricks317@gmail.com
