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By Mark E. Vogler
Tomorrow marks the biggest and most popular celebration of the year for town residents – and more than a few former residents who like to return to spend time visiting with old friends. Saugus Center will host its 42nd Annual Founder’s Day.
“This is a wonderful Town tradition, and we are looking forward to celebrating again this year,” Saugus Youth & Recreation Department Director Crystal Cakounes said earlier this week as she looked ahead toward the big day.
“This is an amazing community event that every Saugonian should attend. It is a great way to end the summer, and to get out and see some familiar faces,” Cakounes said. “Founder’s Day is one of the biggest fundraising events for our kids & community members, so it is a great way to help them out! Don’t miss out on this amazing, fun-filled day!”
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Central Street from the monument rotary in Saugus Center will be closed all the way up to St. John’s Episcopal Church as Saugonians from toddlers to senior citizens will enjoy a potpourri of good food, arts and crafts, fun games to raise money for local charities and youth groups, and a chance to meet old friends and make new ones and learn some neat and historical things about their hometown. Booths will begin in front of Town Hall and continue down Central Street.
Founder’s Day began in 1980, modeled after a country market that was part of the town’s 350th bicentennial celebration, according to Donna Gould, who has been recognized as the organizer or founder of Founder’s Day.
The marquis event – which happens at noon – is the Persons of the Year Awards ceremony. A man and woman – selected by past recipients of the award – will be honored for their volunteer public and community service and personal contributions for the betterment of the community. They will join 52 departed and living Saugonians who have been honored at Founder’s Day, going back to 1989. A summary of the award notes that each presentation is made “In recognition of their dedication to the Town of Saugus. This award truly exemplifies the outstanding spirit of our Founding Fathers.”
In an interview with The Saugus Advocate several years ago, Gould noted the striking view that greets first-time attendees of Founder’s Day. “When you look down from the rotary, towards the Iron Works, the view is amazing. It’s the umbrellas, the tents, the people, the balloons. Everything. It’s just a beautiful sight,” Gould said.
“The best part of Founder’s Day is seeing your neighbor, seeing your neighbor’s children, seeing the town officials and seeing your church members. Everybody came to Founder’s Day and you could have a mini-reunion with everybody. And that was the best part of it,” she said.
On its website, the Theatre Company of Saugus describes the occasion as “a street fair” that features “vendors, food carts, games for kids, art sales, and information booths set up by community organizations and businesses.”
Theatre Company of Saugus always participates. There will be a TCS info booth, featuring raffles, games, and information. Several fantastic raffle prizes will be awarded. Purchase tickets at the TCS booth. “Need costumes for Halloween? We have them for sale at our table!”
TCS members will also perform selections from their shows on the steps in front of Town Hall. This year, the company will feature kids from the Youth Theatre Workshop 2023 this summer, performing selections from “The Wizard of Oz – Youth Edition” and “Shrek The Musical JR.” There will also be a preview performance from the upcoming production of “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Gino Figliola, of Haverhill, “the kid drummer,” who has traveled down to Founder’s Day celebrations to perform for several years, is a fan favorite who plans to be back for another performance. His connection to Saugus is his mom, Brenda Figliola, who works as his manager.
“Gino started performing at Saugus Founder’s Day in 2013 at 7 ½,” Brenda told The Saugus Advocate last year.
Brenda’s love of Saugus is the reason why she has taken Gino to Saugus to perform for several Founder’s Days. She grew up in Saugus and lived in the town for 12 years before moving to Peabody in 1978. Five of her seven siblings graduated from Saugus High School.
Gino has no direct ties to Saugus, but the town residents who watch him play apparently love him, appreciate his drumming skills and welcome him every time he returns to Saugus for another performance.
A Founder’s Day Guide
What: The 42nd Annual Saugus Founders Day.
Where: Saugus Center in front of Town Hall (246 Central St.)
When: Saturday, Sept. 9.
The Schedule:
9:00: Flag Raising.
9:15-9:45: Tiger Institute Tae Kwon Do.
10:00-11: Gino Figliola, Drummer.
11:15-11:45: MICA Dance Group.
12:00-1:00: Person of The Year, in front of Town Hall.
1:15-2:30: Theatre Company of Saugus.
For Sale: Individuals will be there selling their handmade goods, as well as other items: jewelry, candles, soaps, home décor, 3D printed items, hair accessories, wooden craft, scarves, dresses and sports memorabilia, just to name a few.
Fundraising: Per usual, the school PTOs, sports groups & organizations will be there selling apparel and merchandise, as well as running crafts and raffles. Many school and youth groups will also be selling raffle tickets and merchandise. Founder’s Day is one of the biggest fundraising events for these kids, so it is a great way to help them out!
The Fun Area: These attractions for children include games, face painting, crafts, a dunk tank and a chance to throw a pie in a friend’s face.
For Community’s Sake: Nonprofit organizations and various banks and other businesses will be there handing out information about their groups.
In the Food Area: Food will be served on Taylor Street next to Town Hall – ice cream, slush, fried dough, Harrows Chicken Pies, Kowloon, J&M, Tacos, nachos, grilled cheeses and Boba Teas, just to name a few. Money spent here will benefit school groups and youth organizations. There will be signs so you know who is benefiting from your purchase.
Suggested Parking: Blessed Sacrament Church (14 Summer St.).
