SAUGUS — The town’s residents couldn’t wait to show their national pride at the Third of July Block Party, which was held at the Dana H. Johnson Memorial Park at Lynnhurst Elementary School.
The block party, which featured live music from the Brian Maes Band and pizza from local restaurant J & M Italian American Cuisine, had everyone filled with holiday cheer and in good spirits.
Kids and adults alike enjoyed the warm summer weather and music as they danced, frolicked, and played soccer, catch, and baseball on the field.
The organizers of the party, Jaclyn and Derek Hickman, said they took over running the event in 2019, and that turnout has been great each year since.
Derek Hickman said that they hope that community participation continues to grow at a steady rate, saying that volunteers are very important for this.
“Somebody that’s cheerful and wanting to participate,” Derek Hickman said.
Jaclyn Hickman said that a number of businesses, both small and large, help to donate goods to the block parties on July 3 and July 4.
“Lowe’s was more than willing to help. Walmart, they always help us. Starbucks, they donate coffee for the workers on the Fourth of July morning,” Jaclyn Hickman said, adding that the town also pitches in to provide porta-potties.
She said that the block party, which has been going on in town since 1917, is made possible by the generosity of the community.
“Our friends and our family, they help keep this afloat,” Jaclyn Hickman said.
Derek Hickman said that organizing the block party is rewarding.
“You see everyone come in, kids are yelling and screaming and having fun. It brings me back to my youthful days when I came down here,” he said.
Derek Hickman said that a sense of community is missing nowadays, but the block party helps to bring people together in a space where they can make friends.
Jaclyn Hickman said that the best part of the block party is seeing all of the people in attendance come together to “enjoy something with their fellow neighbors and community.”
“It’s important to us,” she added.
The block party on the Fourth of July will take place at the same location from 9 a.m. to noon and feature classic Fourth of July fare like freeze pops (donated by Stop & Shop), all-beef hot dogs (donated by Kayem Foods), and more. The event will also feature eating contests, costumes, and other festivities.
Jaclyn Hickman said that the fire truck, which is set to arrive at 11 a.m., is “the big hit,” misting attendees with its hose. Derek Hickman quipped that they should add to the flier for the party that people should “bring a towel.”
The Hickmans hope to continue holding the block parties for many more years to come.
“We’re hoping to keep this going,” Jaclyn Hickman said.
