THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 4, 2024 Page 7 Fall Family Festival 2024 it was a Saturday event filled with fun activities and snakes worn like scarves at breakheart reservation By Joanie Allbee D uring last Saturday’s (Sept. 28) Annual Fall Family Festival at Breakheart Reservation, people wore tapestry-like scarves that billowed in the wind. A closer look revealed these slinky tapestries were actually snakes. Swathed with snakes, Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team members were eager to educate and give hands-on experiences with the writhing reptiles. Yellow, white and green snakes slithered with acrobatic twirls on smiling children’s arms. There were a dozen snakes of all colors and sizes draped like fine linen across the necks and arms of willing participants. “When they go back to their homes after the Festival, they have an amazingly expansive habitat,” Vernal Pond staffer Emily Erickson said as she stood behind the Native New England snake display cases. President of the Friends of Breakheart Peter Rossetti and his wife Joyce Vecchiarelli welcomed guests with warm greetings. They had a table of complimentary apple cider and fall-themed donuts. Amidst volunteers, Nelson Chang assisted with popcorn and treats. There were Fire Prevention displays and vendors who gave pamphlets and freebies. Saugus Cable TV station filmed to advertise for 2025’s Event. Booths were geared towards children, family, outdoor explorations and Fire Prevention. Charismatic Smokey the Bear rustled from his cave for some friendly appearances. A table of animal tracks held a guessing game, and on the grass were kid-friendly games. A Massachusetts Park Ranger brought out one of their horses and in addition had set up a wooden horse with a saddle for children to climb aboard. SAVE had a swap table for visitors to take or give something. The Saugus Garden Club made its debut with a booth of flowers and baked goods, and Randy-Sue Abber gave out homemade ornaments. The Saugus Historical Society booth had Jack Klecker and Jane Parrott telling historical facts and sharing information. An FESTIVAL | SEE PAGE 18 Zak Cieplik, a staff member of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, held Reggie, a reticulated python, and an amelanistic corn snake. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team Member Emily Erickson held a corn snake in front of a Native New England Snake Display. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) Saugus Garden Club members, pictured from left to right: Elizabeth Hunt, Randy Sue Abber and Sharon Genovese. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) A Massachusetts Park Ranger sat on top of a horse during a visit to Breakheart Reservation. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) 50% OFF First 2 Months for First Time Renters with 6 Month Lease! The ONLY Facility with a 16 Month, No Price Hike Guarantee! (Additional Discounts for Revere Chamber of Commerce Members!) CALL NOW TO RESERVE! OCTOBER SPECIAL! 00 $95 /Month on 5x5 Units Limited Units Available! Scan to Reserve Online!
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