THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – WEDnESDAy, JUly 3, 2024 Page 13 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus The memories of my Fourth of July holidays growing up in Swansea, down in southeastern Massachusetts, are still quite vivid after all these years. The night before July 4, my dad would take my two brothers and me across the Taunton River to Fall River, where we would watch a bonfire set ablaze in one of the city’s parks. Then, on July 4 night, we’d get to have our choice of where to go to see the fireworks. Swansea, Somerset, Fall River and the neighboring communities all had them. In between, we would set off firecrackers, sky rockets, sparklers and Roman candles – which we bought legally in Warren, R.I., and brought them back to Swansea – where all kids had them. Nobody was going to get arrested in those days for having a little fun with some backyard July 4 celebrations, providing there was no horseplay or threatening activity. Then, if the weather was nice, we would squeeze in the world-famous Fourth of July Parade in Bristol. Its claim to fame is being the oldest, longest continuously operating July Fourth Parade. I remember the red, white and blue stripes down the middle of the road, which ran for two and a half miles. Come to think of it, the Fourth of July celebrations I remember as a kid were quite remarkable. Not so in Saugus, unless you go back decades. There isn’t much of a July 4 tradition left – except for the people who live in the Lynnhurst neighborhood. There’s a unique century-old patriotic tradition that lives on in Saugus – the Third of July Lynnhurst Block Party and the Fourth of July celebration, which brings great joy and pride to the neighborhood that will be hosting these festivities. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night (July 3) at the Lynnhurst School Field, also known as Dana H. Johnson Memorial Park. The folks who are organizing this event recommend that anyone who plans to go bring chairs, refreshments, snacks, bug spray and lawn games. The main event of the night will be the Brian Maes Band. There will also be a 50/50 raffle – arm’s length for five bucks. A Holiday trash delay The Town of Saugus announces that trash and recycling collection will run on a one-day delay for the July 4th Holiday. Trash and recycling will not be collected on Thursday, July 4, due to the holiday. Collection will resume on a one-day delay on Friday, July 5. Residents are kindly asked to leave trash and recycling curbside by 7 a.m. the day after their normally scheduled collection day. The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation. Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-2314036 with any questions. Summer Concerts “In The Park” Here’s some good summer music to your ears. Once again, the Saugus Public Library and the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site will be teaming up to bring free outdoor concerts “In The Park” at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. The Squeezebox Stompers, a Boston area Americana Roots band, will kick off the summer series on July 10. A MEMORABLE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION: This old photo from the Helen Cutter slides captures a bonfire in East Saugus on July 4, 1909. What patriotic and brave Saugonians in constructing this towering dedication to America!! Check out the ladder that got them to the top! (Courtesy of the Saugus Public Library) The night, which ends at 10 p.m., continues the next day at 9 a.m. at Dana H. Johnson Memorial Park with an old-fashioned field day that kids will love. There will be contests for kids of all ages, both boys and girls. They include most patriotic costumes, doll carriage, tricycles and bicycles. The athletic contests will feature potato sack races, three-legged races and tug of war – to name a few. Boys and girls from ages eight to 13 will be able to compete in watermelonand pie-eating contests. Hot dogs, popsicles and water will be provided. Well, if you have kids and don’t have any definitive plans on how to spend the holiday or night before, head over to Lynnhurst and partake in what has really become a neat July 4 family-oriented event. Imperio Mariense De Saugus weekend And if you have a hankering for Portuguese food, it will be worth your while to check out Imperio Mariense De Saugus, which will be held from 3 p.m. to midnight on Saturday (July 6) and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday (July 7) at 262 Lynn Fells Parkway in Saugus. Besides the food, this is an annual event that dates back to 1927, when a dozen immigrants from the island of Santa Maria, Azores, decided to bring their own feast and tradition here and share it with the community. According to the website, “the annual feast held in Saugus Massachusetts to celebrate the coronation of the Holy Ghost emperor and empress. Custom starts with a procession, followed by mass and coronation before the Holy Ghost soup lunch. The Holy Ghost celebration is specific to Azorean natives, established to reinforce a sense of community between the islands. “The feast is held on Lynn Fells Parkway for two days. The feast is put together in large part by the dedication and hard work of the board members and volunteers, who get together to bake and prepare a week leading to the event. “Imperio Mariense Feast visitors are Portuguese natives or descendants who come from surrounding cities such as Cambridge, Hudson, Stoughton, Taunton, Bridgewater and many other out of state cities. Visitors can expect plenty of entertainment over the weekend as there is usually bands and surprise guests that will take stage.” If you love Portuguese bread, kale and chourico, this might be your lucky weekend. Bon Appetit! “They’ve performed Americana, Cajun, zydeco, blues, folk, and originals all over New England for the past 15 years,” according to promotional information provided by the Iron Works. “Members of the band have received Boston Music Awards and Songwriting Awards. They are noted for their step-lively up-beat music inspiring audiences to get up and dance. Their instrumentation includes accordion, keyboards, fiddle, saxophone, harmonica, penny whistle, guitar, bass, and drums. The Squeezebox Stompers guarantee a rockin’ good time.” These free weekly concerts are open to the public and begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning July 10 through August 28. Here’s the 2024 lineup: July 10: Squeezebox Stompers (Cajun & Zydeco). July 17: Memorylaners (50s & 60s). July 24: Mamadou (World Music, West African Rhythms). July 31: Sweet Soul Sounds (Motown, Funk, Hip Hop). August 7: Atwater & Donnelly (Trad. American & CeltTHE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 14
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