Russell Engine 3 was one of several lighted parade participants from the town.
RUSSELL – For the fifteenth year, the Russell Parade of Lights on Saturday night featured fire engines and other vehicles from surrounding towns decked out in Christmas lights and parading down Main Street, Route 20 and Old Westfield Road.
Highlights of this year’s parade were a bedazzled ladder truck from Enfield, a 1927 American LaFrance engine from Chester and a boat owned by Russell firefighter Nate Kowalczyk. About ten surrounding communities participated in the parade this year.
A boat owned by Russell firefighter Nate Kowalczyk joined the parade this year.
Also making an appearance were Santa and Mrs. Claus, to the delight of children everywhere.
Enfield’s Ladder Truck had the biggest display in the Russell Parade of LIghts.
Some residents watched from their windows, rather than face the frigid temperature which dipped below 20 degrees. Others put on hats, gloves and scarves, and joined the fun outdoors. Parade participants were invited for a get together hosted by the Council on Aging following the event.
Chester Fire Chief Rich Small stands next to the town’s 1927 American LaFrance Engine.
The parade is sponsored by the Town of Russell Recreation committee. Russell Fire Chief Kevin Kennedy said the fire department ran it for ten years before the recreation department took over. Trophies for best decorations were given out to first, second and third place at the end of the parade.
