Record turnout at Saugus Founders Day

SAUGUS – Saugus Youth and Recreation Director Greg Nickolas said he?s “more than thrilled” with this year?s Founders Day celebration, noting that attendance at the 33rd annual event was at an all-time high.?It was unbelievable,” said Nickolas. “I?ve been working on Founders Day for six years with Donna Gould, slowly making the transition to take it completely over. Based on six years it ran smooth and was one of the best ones I?ve seen. It was huge. I didn?t hear any negative comments and everyone was happy. It rivaled last year as far as attendance and was maybe even bigger.”Nickolas said Founders Day would not have been possible without the help of some key people.?I definitely want to give a huge thank you to Crystal Cakounes,” said Nickolas, speaking of the Youth and Recreation Programs Coordinator. “She was the back bone this year for me as was the Youth Commission. They really stepped up and the Town Manager was really supportive, and selectman Julie Mitchell was huge in pulling the fun area together.”Nickolas said the event was also a major boost for just about every group in town including the Boy Scouts, the football team, Youth Soccer, the various Parent Teacher Organizations, the Saugus Veterans Council and the public library, which held its annual book sale.U.S. Sen. Scott Brown also made an appearance Saturday as did Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. Even Elmo from Sesame Street joined in the fun.Town Manager Scott Crabtree said he spent his entire Saturday at Founders Day and said the event marked a “new beginning” for Saugus.?The kids had a really good time and the feedback I got from residents, from people I don?t even know, they felt like there was hope and we?re moving in a positive direction,” said Crabtree. “Last year they thought was one of the biggest ones and this year topped that. Just seeing the whole community together and seeing a lot of people, and seeing people put a lot of hard work into it was great.”Crabtree said he?s hoping Founders Day can act as a “jump start” for other town events, like the annual Christmas Tree lighting.Sherri Raftery, a member of the Rumney Marsh Toastmaster Club, had a booth set up to promote the group, which helps people improve their public speaking and leadership skills.?We always look forward to Founders Day, especially when folks come to our table so we can share the benefits of becoming a member of Toastmasters ?” said Raftery. “We also enjoy visiting other vendors, nonprofit and community organization tables as well as seeing our friends, neighbors and enjoying the various foods, live entertainment, and how special the day is when the town comes together to enjoy the birth of our city of Saugus.”Raftery said she?s already looking forward to next year?s Founders Day.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].