SAUGUS — The streets around Saugus Center were packed with Saugonians who gathered to celebrate the 43rd Founders Day. 

Founders Day brings out residents every year without fail, with smiles strewn on their faces and laughter as they move from booth to booth.

This year, the event had familiar fare and faces, such as the Saugus Middle High School band program’s “jail” and the Drama Club’s face painting — some new, too, such as the Boys & Girls Club.

Many local organizations held booths at the event, such as TITLE Boxing Club, the YMCA, WIN Waste Innovations, Power of Recovery, Saugus Cultural Council, Saugus Historical Society, and more.

The aroma of classic summertime foods was in the air — hotdogs, fried dough, shaved ice and slush were among the big hits.

Town Manager Scott Crabtree said that Founders Day is “a great community event,” adding it is an opportunity for the community to get together with one another.

Board of Selectman Chairman Debra Panetta said that the event is her favorite day of the year.

“I’m thankful to all the participants, and of course, our town manager, DPW, Police, Fire — everybody — Youth and Rec, that helped put this beautiful event on today for our residents,” Panetta said.

Panetta said that it’s an opportunity for the town’s residents to learn not just about its non-profit groups, who she said are always seeking new members, but also, other efforts of organizations around town, such as the Board of Health who were distributing COVID care packages.

“You just don’t get a better day,” Panetta added.

In front of the steps at Town Hall, the men and women of years’ past gathered prior to the awarding of this years honorees.

Joyce Rodenheiser and Donna Manoogian, both former Women of the Year recipients themselves, took turns reading aloud those who were distinguisihed with the title since 1989.

This year, Marilyn Carlson of the Historical Commission presented Mary Dunlop with the Woman of the Year award, praising her for her efforts in towns activities.

Carlson cited Dunlop’s activities with the senior center especially, where she has helped for over 30 years as part of its building committee for the new center, helping to protect seniors from scams, and conducting free blood pressure clinics.

“I want to thank the entire committee for this recognition,” Dunlop said, accepting her award.

Dunlop said that her many years of volunteer work has been a “very rewarding experience.” She thanked the staff and all of the volunteers at the Saugus Senior Center for their friendship and support throughout the years.

“I recommend volunteering to all those who can, because you’re going to get a lot more out of it than you give,” Dunlop said.

Last year’s Man of the Year, John “Jack” Kelcker presented William “Bill” Boomhower  with this year’s Man of the Year award.

Kelcker praised Boomhower, saying that he is the longest serving member of the DeFranzo VFW Post, and his involvement in many Saugus civic organizations which support the needy.

Kelcker said that Boomhower “volunteers to help wherever he is needed.”

Boomhower expressed thanks to the committee for the award — “Like the people before me, everything I do is from my heart,” Boomhower said.

Both Boomhower and Dunlop were presented with various citations from Sen. Brendan Creighton,  Reps. Donald Wong and Jessica Giannino, and the Saugus Board of Selectmen’s chairman Panetta and its member Michael Serino, who closed out the ceremony with congratulations to both recipients.

“We’ve all been involved in the town, and I want to just congratulate you, and thank you very much for what you do for our community,” Serino said.