METHUEN — While the city held a day of celebration, its residents also paid tribute to the city’s recently deceased mayor.
City Councilor Eunice Zeigler, one of the founders and organizers of Methuen Day, led the crowd in a moment of silence for Mayor Neil Perry, who died on Sept. 21 at the age of 66.
“This is a very different Methuen Day; this is our first Methuen Day without our fearless mayor,” Zeigler said. “With that being said, thank you for coming out to celebrate with us. We look forward to continuing to get together, united here in Methuen.”
The celebration had its usual parade of food, performances, activities and fun on Hampshire Street in the city’s downtown, while promoting local organizations and the people who call the city home.
Zeigler and other volunteers kicked off the event with a parade down Hampshire Street to the stage set up near Francis X. Robichaud Square.
Performers from Dance Images, Studio of the Dance Arts, Chang’s Taekwondo, Methuen Karate, Happy Hearts Chorus, and Reckless Luna showed off their talent on stage throughout the day.
Food trucks sold cuisine from farflung countries such as Venezuela, England and Armenia, along with stalls selling fair favorites such as fried dough. The office of mayor, now held by acting Mayor DJ Beauregard, had a booth giving away free hot chocolate to visitors.
There were more than 90 vendors set up on the street. Some sold handmade goods such as personalized coffee cups and knitted hats, while others were from organizations such the YMCA, American Red Cross and Nevins Memorial Library. The Fire and Police departments both held open houses and Touch-a-Truck events.
“This is a momentous day,” Zeigler said. “It’s an opportunity for us to come together as friends, as neighbors, as colleagues and celebrate everything we love about Methuen.”