Mayor Carmella R. Mantello announced that the City of Troy, in partnership with DeFazio’s and Ryder Sports & Entertainment Group, today announced the inaugural Collar City Run & Country Bash, a brand-new event bringing together a competitive road race, live country music, food, dancing, and community fun on Saturday, October 17.

The event will take place from 12 to 6 p.m., with the 4K road race kicking off at 11 a.m. The race will be followed by a country-themed block party on Hill Street behind DeFazio’s at 216 Fourth Street, featuring local country bands, country line dancing, food vendors, and more before nationally rising country artists take the stage.

Headlining the inaugural Country Bash will be Nashville rising artists Kelsey Hart and Hannah McFarland, bringing two of country music’s exciting emerging voices to the Collar City.

“We are excited to bring this unique event to Troy and create another opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy everything our city has to offer,” said Mayor Carmella R. Mantello. “The Collar City Run & Country Bash combines fitness, live entertainment, local businesses, great food, and community - all while supporting two local charities. This is going to be a great day in Troy, and I encourage everyone to come out, run the race, enjoy the block party, and experience these incredible performers.”

The event will also provide an opportunity to support two local charities, with proceeds from the event helping organizations serving the Troy community.

About Kelsey Hart
A Curb Records recording artist, songwriter, and Kentucky native, Kelsey Hart has been building a name for himself as one of country music’s rising stars. With 327 million global career streams, Hart has made a significant impact with his RIAA Gold-certified, Top 25 debut radio single, “Life With You,” which debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Digital Songs Chart and reached No. 1 on SiriusXM the Highway’s Hot 30 Weekend Countdown.
Hart has also established himself as a successful songwriter, penning songs for artists including Jake Owen, Dylan Scott, and Trace Adkins. His debut album, Life With You, is available now, along with his new radio single, “Love To Be That Guy.”

About Hannah McFarland
Hannah McFarland is an Alabama native whose songwriting and distinctive voice have quickly established her as one of country music’s most promising new artists.
Following the release of her 2025 debut EP, Broken Hearts, McFarland made her Grand Ole Opry debut, earned a spot on the lineup for Stagecoach 2026, and was named a 2026 Artist to Watch by the Recording Academy/GRAMMYs.
Most recently, McFarland joined Riley Green on his upcoming That’s Just Me project for the duet “Go Again,” which debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes Country Songs Chart and No. 3 on the iTunes All-Genre Songs Chart.
After supporting Green on arena dates throughout 2026, McFarland will join Ashley Cooke on the road in 2027 while continuing to release new music.

Event Details
Collar City Run & Country Bash
Saturday, October 17
4K Race: 11 a.m.
Country Block Party: 12–6 p.m.
Location: Hill Street behind DeFazio’s, 216 Fourth Street, Troy
In addition to Hart and McFarland, attendees can enjoy performances from local country bands, country line dancing, food vendors, and other entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Race registration and tickets for the Country Bash are available at collarcityruncountrybash.com.

The City of Troy, DeFazio’s, ARE Event Productions, and Ryder Sports & Entertainment Group invite residents, families, runners, country music fans, and visitors from throughout the Capital Region to join them for the inaugural Collar City Run & Country Bash and help make this new Troy tradition a success.