SAUGUS — Children were looking to see Santa Claus, but instead were greeted with “Trump 2024” and “F**K Biden” flags from a driver’s decorated vehicle.
Though the identity of the driver remains unknown to him, School Committee member Ryan Fisher was quick to call the display “disgraceful,” noting that the Christmas event is intended for young children.
“Why would you put a profane sign on your truck during a Christmas Eve parade geared at children, and make sure it was backlit so the kids could see it easily?” said Fisher. “These are kids excited to see Santa Claus. I couldn’t believe it.”
Fisher wasn’t the only member of the local government who was stunned by what occurred at the parade. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano received an apology from parade organizers and an explanation as to how the culprit was able to get the signage into the parade.
“The lighted sign that caused the controversy was not lit when the parade started, and wasn’t caught until someone pointed it out,” Cogliano said on Facebook. “We will be sure to check all floats before the parade begins in the future.”
Besides the children having to endure the harsh language and be exposed to political agitation the night before Santa would deliver presents, Fisher also felt bad for the volunteers who worked hard to put on the event.
“I’ve lived here my whole life, and when I was young my parents planned Christmas Eve around when Santa came down our street,” said Fisher. “It’s the same for my daughter now. This parade means a lot to everybody.”
Fisher also added that this event shows just how divisive politics can be at the national level.
“National politics has gotten so toxic and divisive,” he said. “But clear as day you see liberal and conservative neighbors shoveling each other’s driveways and working together on local projects.”
Fisher also stated that once the organizers were made aware of the signage, they were “horrified” and stopped the entire parade to turn the sign off. The School Committee member also mentioned that he believes that politics of any kind should not be allowed at the Santa Parade moving forward.
“Whoever did this didn’t read the room,” he said. “Ninety-nine percent of residents were horrified by their behavior. This is a magical event for kids, always has been, always will be, and we as a town won’t let this happen again.”
