Saugus Christmas Eve parade celebrates 40th Anniversary paying tribute to original founders

By Tara Vocino

The original parade founders, the late Billy Diotte and Jack Fahey, were remembered with a plaque on the candy house trailer for Sunday’s 40th anniversary of the three-hour town-wide Christmas Eve parade.

“The parade has now become generational – kids that used to enjoy it as children are now enjoying it with their kids and families, truly making Saugus someplace special,” event organizer Brian Cross said. “It is an honor for me to keep this tradition alive for the children and families of Saugus.”

Cross said he looks forward to the next 40 years, and he counted approximately 45 vehicles in the parade.

Guests commented on the parade’s meaning to them, with their umbrellas in hand.

Pearl Street resident Tory Bradlee, 25, says she’s been watching the parade since she was little. She said having her Indian Valley neighborhood come together is good. Her brother, Cruz, 5, added that he’s excited to see Santa come by. Their neighbor, Avery Abellard, 5, asked if Santa was coming from the North Pole.

Melanie Reining, who frequents other parades, said it’s her favorite parade of the year and that people are genuinely grateful to see it. Fellsway resident Maureen Murphy said they’ve been coming to this corner for 50 years, adding that it’s bigger each year. Belmonte fifth grader Sophie Beaulieu liked the disc jockey with the speaker yelling out “Merry Christmas” at the parade’s conclusion.

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