Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 26, 2026 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus You know it’s truly summer in Saugus when the Wednesday night crowds start to gather at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site where they sing, clap and dance to the music. It’s that time of year again. And next Wednesday (July 1) will be opening night for another summer of free outdoor concerts over an eight-week period at the Iron Works. This marks the fifth consecutive summer that the Saugus Public Library and the National Park Service will be collaborating on a local outdoor event that seems to get more popular every year. The Saugus Cultural Council (a local arm of the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency) is also a key sponsor of the event. The concerts are free and open to the public. The concert series celebrates local musical talents in Essex County and creates opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the park during evening hours. Shows begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday in July and August. People can bring blankets and chairs, snacks, etc. Don’t forget to bring a friend, too, to enjoy a couple of hours of music outdoors. The events take place on the stage behind the museum building, and spectators can settle down on the upper lawn. It is suitable for all ages. Restrooms are available until nearly 8 p.m. when the concerts conclude. If weather looks bad for any particular Wednesday, concertgoers are urged to check the library website (www.sauguspubliclibrary. org), which will update for cancellations on that day. This year’s lineup will feature a combination of new bands and familiar faces. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on the Big Lawn each Wednesday, July 1 through August 19. Leading off next Wednesday (July 1) at 6 p.m. is Atwater~Donnelly, a traditional American and Irish folk, percussive dancing group. Here is the rest of the schedule for the next two months: • July 8: Brian Maes Band (Classic Rock) If you are a Saugus resident and don’t have any holiday plans, a good place to be next Saturday – July 4th, from noon to 4 p.m. – is at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. You’ll get to join in America’s 250th celebration of the Declaration of Independence signing, Saugus-style. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish A CITATION FOR SUCCESS: Prince Pizzeria Owner Steven Castraberti holds a commendation he received from the Board of Selectmen last week recognizing the restaurant’s 65th anniversary. Please see comments from selectmen in this week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” (Saugus Advocate Photo by Mark E. Vogler) • July 15: Renee Leavitt & the Renegades (Lively Country/ Rock Blend) • July 22: Memorylaners (50s, 60s and 70s, Doo Wop) • July 29: Ditto Band (Acoustic American Rock) • August 5: The Implications (Rock & Country) • August 12: Squeezebox Stompers (Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Folk) • August 19: Coco Brown & The Invitation (Motown & Soul) Watch https://sauguspubliclibrary.org for weather updates and cancellations. General Washington coming to town Here is some breaking news from Janice Jarosz of the Saugus 250th Celebration Committee regarding a special guest who is expected to participate in the town’s July 4 celebration next week. General Washington is taking a few brief moments out of his demanding schedule to visit the Iron Works on the afternoon of July 4, 2026. He will give the colonists an update on how the battle to free our country from English rule is progressing. He offered his gratitude to the first twenty-two brave men from Saugus who already marched to Concord and Lexington in joining forces with many other soldiers who were arriving daily, according to the messages he just received. General George spoke further; “I have also been told many more brave soldiers from Saugus are preparing to also march soon. We need all the able bodied men available to help us face the onslaught of the British army making their way to Concord. I will be able to take questions as time permits.” The Saugus Advocate has received some additional information since receiving that message earlier in the week, to help put the upcoming local July 4 celebration and the role Saugus played during the Revolutionary War into its proper context: On July 3, 1775, George Washington took command of the Continental Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts as Commander-in-Chief. The battles of Lexington and Concord had already started in April 1775. In a letter to the President of Congress, he wrote, “I am truly sensible of the high Honor done me in this Appointment. I do not think myself equal to the Command I am honored with.” At his appearance before his troops on Cambridge Common, one observer, Reverend William Emerson, noted in his diary, “General Washington is a tall and noble-looking man, commanding the respect of all who see him.” (Courtesy, Library of Congress). Once the formalities were over, General Washington visited the Anchor Tavern in Saugus on his way to other parts of Massachusetts and on July 4, 2026, General Washington will address the people of Saugus. Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, June 26) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office at 781-233-2663 or go to the website (cliftondalecc.org) for details. Selectmen help celebrate Prince’s 65th Anniversary Selectmen gave Prince Pizzeria a collective “shout out” at their meeting last week (June 17), presenting Owner Steven Castraberti with a Citation that recognized the restaurant’s 65th anniversary year. The Citation declared that the restaurant “Has exemplified dedication to excellence, family tradition and unwavering commitment to quality and hospitality within the community.” “I think that says it all, and it’s signed by all five selectmen,” Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta said. “We’re just very fortunate to have you in our community for the last 65 years. You’ve gone over and above, networking with our community, always giving back,” Panetta said. With Castraberti standing at the lectern in front of the Board, Panetta invited her four colleagues and Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree to offer personal tributes to the restaurant, which has been a popular dining spot for Saugus families over the years. Several of the members offered high praise to Castraberti’s dad – the late Arthur Castraberti, the founder and original owner of Prince Pizzeria, who died in 2011. Selectman Michael Serino noted the historical significance of Prince being among “the five businesses (including Kowloon, Augustine’s, The Continental and The Hilltop) that really made Route 1 what it is today. “Only you and Kowloon left. Congratulations. Hope you are good for another 65 years,” Serino said. Selectman Frank Federico recalled his frequent visits to Prince, dating back to his childhood “from birthday parties as a child to other family functions.” He reminisced about the comedy club nights at the restaurant. “Prince has clearly stood the test of time. It’s been a staple of my childhood. It’s been a staple on Route 1,” Federico said. Selectman Jeff Cicolini lauded Prince for its contributions to the community and told Castraberti, “You’re always the first one to lend a helping hand, whenever it’s needed. I remember COVID times, getting food to folks.” “And you always do it under the radar. You do it the right way. You do it because you want to do it, not because you want praise for it. I do hope that Prince remains. …Prince is truly a landmark. We’re so lucky to have it in town. Hopefully, our successors are talking about it in another 65.” Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Anthony Cogliano noted that Castraberti is carrying on a great family business. “Looking at you right now, you look exactly like your father. You have his personality, too. You’ve been a good friend for a long time and run a great business. Thank you very much for your dedication to the town,” he said. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree noted that the memories of many Saugus families are intertwined with the history of Prince Pizzeria, particularly with youth sports. “All these things that your father started and you continued: a tradition of really helping out with lower costs and taking care of all of these sports teams and people having birthday parties,” Crabtree said, “your generosity with the town employees and having a lot of respect THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 9
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