The face-painting station was popular with the kids at yesterday’s Russell Town Picnic. Left-right, Krysta Westcott, Ruby Chicoine, Sam Chicoine, Joe Lucardi, Kaolin Westcott. (Photo by Kevin Romani)
Russell is a small town, and Selectwoman Pandora Hague would not have it any other way. Especially when Russell’s residents group together as one community.
Strathmore Park was the sight of Russell’s town picnic yesterday, and all in attendance could not have asked for a more beautiful day. Guests were treated to live music, a face painting station for children and (of course) delicious food. The menu included burgers, hot dogs and potato salad, and no one went home hungry.
The best part about the day? Hague spent next to nothing to put the event on. Donations from local businesses and contributions from the people of Russell made the picnic possible.
“So many of our local businesses have been very generous,” said Hague. “Vendors provided items like charcoal and ice for us. And the people of Russell, who brought napkins, dishes and so much food. Everyone on the grill had a great time cooking with each other.”
This is the second year in a row for the Russell town picnic, but the event used to take place on a more consistent basis years ago.
“When I was a kid, everyone in town came to play baseball and horseshoes,” recalled resident Matty York. “The Selectwoman is trying to bring that back today, and she’s doing a fantastic job.”
Instead of crafting an event with the intention of gaining political points, Hague genuinely saw the day as an opportunity for her constituents to get to know each other.
“Today isn’t about politics, just the community,” added York.
Anyone visiting yesterday’s event may have felt like they stumbled upon a family party due to the communal atmosphere surrounding the park.
The wonderful music by both “The Slick Pickers” and members of “The Pioneer Valley Fiddlers” featured a blend between “blue grass and old time fiddle music,” said “Pioneer Valley Fiddler” artist Robin Unger. Unger was quick to point out that the performance served as a tribute to Jim MacKay, who sadly passed away just hours after playing at last year’s picnic.
“He passed just after performing, but was able to spend the last few hours of his life doing something he loved for people who enjoyed hearing him play” added Hague.
Live music carried the first half of the picnic, but the musical aspect of the second half fell into the hands of local disc jockey Ryan Sikes. Sikes blended classic rock, country and folk to entertain guests for the remaining part of the day. Sikes frequently covers events at venues like the Russell Inn, and even weddings in the area.
“It’s great to see so many people show up for Russell events,” said Sikes. “Seeing everyone encouraged enough to bring their own food to share with strangers is impressive.”
The number of contributions in both time and money from the residents of Russell for this event highlight the sense of community existing in the town.
The turnout pleased Hague, but she is already excited and looking forward to next year’s picnic to increase the number of attendees in order to truly add to the sense of community.
“We plan on putting the event on again next year,” said Hague. “More people will be attending through word of mouth. This year we saw so many families that weren’t here last year, which was great. It’s wonderful to see a small town get together and meet new people.”
Kevin Romani can be reached at [email protected].
