THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, September 6, 2019 Page 3 Founders Day fun Tomorrow Saugus celebrates “a family tradition” that’s going strong after 39 years By Mark E. Vogler t’s the only time Saugus residents get to watch a local politician or town official go to jail – and then pay his or her bail if they’re feeling in a generous and giving mood. Selectmen, School Committee members, school superintendents and other town officials don’t mind wearing jailhouse clothes while sitting in the Saugus “Band-its” Jail on Central Street, waiting for somebody to “free” them if it helps raise money for the Saugus Band Parents Association. Town officials will again be among the primary targets of the “Band-its” Sheriff Department deputies next Saturday, Sept. 14. Of course, there were concerns yesterday about whether heavy rain expected today and tomorrow will lead to a rare cancellation or postponement of the Saugus hometown celebration. “It’s a wonderful opportuniI ty to come out and see your friends and neighbors – so nice,” Selectman Jennifer D’Eon said. “If we don’t get rained out.” Town Manager Scott Crabtree told selectmen at Wednesday night’s meeting that town officials would have a better idea today and tomorrow (Saturday) on whether Founders Day can go on. Meanwhile, organizers are starting to think about how town officials and local celebrities can get jailed for a good cause. “When I was little, I was so terrified of that jail,” recalled Crystal Cakounes, program coordinator for the Saugus Youth & Recreation Department. “I used to worry – are they overseeing the planning of the special event, which has been in the making since last spring. The Youth Commission will A PRISONER FOR A CAUSE: Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr. being booked in the makeshift jailhouse at last year’s Founders Day Celebration. (Saugus Advocate file Photo by Mark E. Vogler) going to arrest me? Of course, now, I think it’s a great way to raise money. And it’s a very popular part of the day,” she said. The Saugus Band-its Jail is just one of many fun activities and fundraising events scheduled for tomorrow when the town shuts down Saugus Center for six hours so residents and visitors can enjoy the best of Saugus. There will be music, entertainment, arts and crafts, an assortment of food, a “fun area” for kids to play in and a DJ presiding. A wooden stage is already set up at the bottom of the steps of Town Hall, where several local dance studios and theatre companies will perform. Cakounes – with the help of her staff, representatives from many town departments and a group of volunteers – has been arrive at about 5:30 a.m. tomorrow, directing vendors where they are supposed to set up. Meanwhile, police will set up barricades to block off traffic from the rotary near Town Hall, up to Central Street, toward the Saugus Iron Works. Taylor, Parker and Prospect Streets will also be blocked off for the town festival, which will begin at 9 a.m. and last through 3 p.m. Founders 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 Founders 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 more than 50 departed and living Saugonians who have been honored at Founders 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 Founders Day. “When you FUN | SEE PAGE 3 3 Locations Saugus Groceria, 190 Main Street 781-231-9599 West End, Boston, 75 Blossom Court 617-227-6141 Seaport Boston, 1 Park Lane 857-366-4640 Friday, September 20 at 9 PM New England's Tribute to Bob Seger LIVE BULLET FALL AMERICAN MUSIC SERIES Thursday, September 26 at 9 PM FRED EAGLESMITH PREPARED FOODS BUTCHER SHOP BAKERY Friday, September 27 at 9 PM BOB WOLFMAN BAND Saturday, September 21 at 9 PM MASS TIME & AGAIN GIRLS Start Your Weekend at the Marina Dance Party! 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