PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Aidan Andrews wears his “chub suit” at the Belmonte Middle School as part of Saugus Youth and Recreation’s Halloween Day on Friday.
BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE
SAUGUS — Saugus children screamed for Halloween a little early this year.
The Saugus Youth and Recreation summer program celebrated Halloween Day on Friday and encouraged the children to arrive in costume.
“It’s really cool because it’s my favorite holiday and you don’t have to put a jacket on,” said Skylar Ross, 7, who dressed as an ’80s girl.
Plans included a parade, but the idea of a march from the Belmonte Middle School to Town Hall was washed away by rain. The group made the best of the morning, wearing costumes and playing outside until they could be bused to the building, where trick-or-treating awaited them.
“Town Hall has been really great,” said Crystal Cakounes, program coordinator. “Some of the employees even bought candy to give to them.”
Cakounes said events are planned each week to keep the children entertained.
“We try to mix things up throughout the summer with different themed days,” she said. “They like doing the parades. People will see them driving by and honk and wave. They get excited about it.”
Kevin Kennedy, 6, dressed as a Marine in blues. He said his costume was inspired by his older brother Ty, who is serving in the Navy. Kennedy said he has worn the uniform once before.
“I got it for the real Halloween,” he said. “I wanted to have the best costume.”
Others, like Aidan Andrews, 11, were silly when making a costume choice. Andrews wore what he calls his “chub suit.” The baggy green jumpsuit has a small fan in the back to keep it inflated.
“I saw someone wearing it on a video and thought it was funny,” he said.
Next week, the children will celebrate Patriotic Day by writing letters to active members of the military. The following Friday, they will arrive in style for Hollywood Day.
The cost to attend the program is $100 per week, which includes all field trips. This summer, 120 children have signed up, Cakounes said.
Massimo Pagliocco, 9, wore a clone trooper helmet and carried a laser sword. His helmet had buttons that turned the mouthpiece into a voice changer.
“I like the days I can wear my favorite costumes,” said Pagliocco, who has participated in the program for three years. “I like it here because we get to ride our bikes and have fun.”
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.