The Blue & White

by Crystal Castro

On Saturday, October 1, 2022, the people of Methuen gathered to celebrate their city at Methuen Day, which took place from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Four Corners.

Admission to Methuen Day was free to all. At the celebration, there were numerous food vendors, selling goods such as fried dough, chicken tenders, pizza, desserts, fruits, and more, as well as stands lining the street that advertised their small businesses and different causes. Among these were Relay for Life, the Nevin’s Library, and Methuen Youth Soccer. At these booths, there were wheels to spin, prizes to win, and opportunities to pursue.

Organized by City Councilor Eunice Zeigler, student volunteers aided in the set up and running of the event. Student volunteer and sophomore at Methuen High School, Natasha Vuong, said she chose to volunteer at Methuen Day to connect with her community, build new relationships, and gain some community service hours, saying, “I’m grateful that there was an opportunity to volunteer at such an amazing event.”

Some of Methuen Day’s best entertainment took place shortly after noon. Entertainment kicked off on a main stage at the end of the street with multiple performances by the dance studios of Methuen, including Studio of Dance Arts, Dance Images, and Center for Performing Arts. One attendee, Mackenzie “CK” Corrigan, said, “I really enjoyed these performances and think they added to the fun atmosphere!”

After these performances, Zeigler, accompanied by student volunteers, announced the winners of the “What Makes Methuen My Home” essay contest. Students enrolled at Methuen High School were given the opportunity to write an essay about how their experiences in Methuen has shaped them into the person they are today. Two to three winners were chosen per grade level and given gift baskets, and there was also a grand prize winner. Congratulations to all of the winners!

Ella Duffy – Grand Prize Grade 9

Jhudny Pierre – 1st Place Grade 12

Allyssa Cassidy – 1st Place Grade 11

Marissa Mahoney – 2nd Place Grade 11

Joseph McDonald – 2nd Place Grade 11

Crystal Castro – 1st Place Grade 10

Michael Holloran – 2nd Place Grade 10

Maddox Oumret – 1st Place Grade 9

Joshua Danella – 2nd Place Grade 9

After these two events, Mayor Neil Perry came on stage to thank everyone for attending, and addressed the new trash and recycling system Methuen is pursuing. He mentioned that Methuen is one of the largest polluters in the state of Massachusetts and that action needs to be taken.

Methuen Day continued after Mayor Perry’s words and those in attendance shopped, ate, and mingled amongst themselves until the event came to an end at 3:00p.m.

Volunteer and sophomore Jenna Ho described her take on Methuen Day as, “a meaningful event that brings our town together and also gives small businesses an opportunity to showcase what they have to offer.”

Throughout the event, Zeigler made it clear that she appreciated the help from all those who made the event possible; the vendors, associations, volunteers, and of course, the people of Methuen, and that she looks forward to continuing the event for many more years to come.