Fall Family Festival 2024 – It was a Saturday event filled with fun activities and snakes worn like scarves at Breakheart Reservation

By Joanie Allbee

During last Saturday’s (Sept. 28) Annual Fall Family Festival at Breakheart Reservation, people wore tapestry-like scarves that billowed in the wind. A closer look revealed these slinky tapestries were actually snakes. Swathed with snakes, Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team members were eager to educate and give hands-on experiences with the writhing reptiles. Yellow, white and green snakes slithered with acrobatic twirls on smiling children’s arms. There were a dozen snakes of all colors and sizes draped like fine linen across the necks and arms of willing participants.

“When they go back to their homes after the Festival, they have an amazingly expansive habitat,” Vernal Pond staffer Emily Erickson said as she stood behind the Native New England snake display cases.

President of the Friends of Breakheart Peter Rossetti and his wife Joyce Vecchiarelli welcomed guests with warm greetings. They had a table of complimentary apple cider and fall-themed donuts. Amidst volunteers, Nelson Chang assisted with popcorn and treats.

There were Fire Prevention displays and vendors who gave pamphlets and freebies. Saugus Cable TV station filmed to advertise for 2025’s Event. Booths were geared towards children, family, outdoor explorations and Fire Prevention. Charismatic Smokey the Bear rustled from his cave for some friendly appearances. A table of animal tracks held a guessing game, and on the grass were kid-friendly games. A Massachusetts Park Ranger brought out one of their horses and in addition had set up a wooden horse with a saddle for children to climb aboard. SAVE had a swap table for visitors to take or give something. The Saugus Garden Club made its debut with a booth of flowers and baked goods, and Randy-Sue Abber gave out homemade ornaments. The Saugus Historical Society booth had Jack Klecker and Jane Parrott telling historical facts and sharing information. An enchanting storyteller acted out scenes to a mesmerized crowd tucked away by a cozy campfire. Dwayne Haggins Band played to a crowd, and Park Rangers were on hand to guide and answer any questions.

This year’s Fall Family Festival was family, friends, wildlife and education all at its best.