More than 200 cars turned a summer evening at Springfield Lake Park into a rolling fundraiser for Springfield Township’s police dogs, as the department’s 2026 Cars for K9s show brought classic, vintage, hot rod and custom vehicles together with live music, food and canine demonstrations.
In a Sunday photo recap, Springfield Township Police Department said the event drew more than 200 cars and more than 30 vendors during a 4-to-9 p.m. run last Friday. Entry cost $10, with the fundraiser supporting a K-9 program funded through donations and community events.
A car show with a practical purpose
The donation model gives the event a purpose beyond polished hoods and trophy hunting. Cleveland 19 News reported in April that the department’s K-9 program is funded solely through fundraising, with proceeds helping cover equipment, veterinary care and ongoing training.
The event’s entertainment lineup included the Lees Brothers Band, food trucks, a canine demonstration featuring K-9s Rex and Ryker, and a vehicle supplied by Akron Coach for the demonstration. Kong and Summit Racing also provided 200 goody bags for car entries, giving participants something to take home besides a sunburn and a fresh opinion about whose classic was best.
Community supporters included The Frosty Gator, Industrial Tech on Massillon and Zombie John’s, which contributed donations, while Michelle Eboch, Faye Sparks and Sue Callesen accounted for nearly half of the event’s raffle baskets. The department also presented awards chosen by police, fire, South Summit Dispatch and the Springfield Township trustees.
Rex and Ryker remain at the center of the effort
The fundraiser’s focus reflects the township’s effort to rebuild and maintain its canine unit. Springfield Township Board of Trustees minutes show that officials authorized the K-9 program’s reactivation and the swearing-in of K-9 Ryker, effective June 7, 2024.
The Cars for K9s event has become a recurring summer fixture for the department. Hoodline’s 2025 coverage described a similar mix of vehicles, vendors, food, music and community support for the K-9 program.
This year’s photo recap makes clear that Springfield Township’s canine officers are being supported by a broad coalition of car owners, small businesses, musicians, volunteers and residents. For Rex and Ryker, the horsepower on display was only part of the point; the real engine behind the program was the crowd around them.
