Saco Fun Days

Dreary Labor Day weather in the region might have moved some Saco Fun Days events inside, but it didn’t slow people from showing up in town for the three-day event.

“It was a great turnout and everyone had an awesome time,” said Nena Malmend, President of the Saco Chamber of Commerce. “The night activities were down in attendance a little bit because of the weather, but both of the feeds had great turnouts.”

Bookended by the feeds, kid’s fishing derby, class reunions and pie socials, the granddaddy of them all, the Fun Days Parade, kicked off on Saturday morning with more than 30 floats and special Parade Marshals Don and Nellie Plouffe.

“They where chosen as the parade marshals because they are long-time members of the community and they do so much for the community,” Malmend said. “It was a nice way to honor them.”

The Plouffe’s rode in the back of Charles Romo's 1964-1/2, red Ford Mustang and prior to the event Don said he wasn’t sure what to think of being one of the parade’s marshals.

“I’ll have to live with it, I suppose,” Don joked.

Nellie said that she has lived in Saco all of her life and she and the couple will celebrate 63-years of marriage this November. The couple met in Saco – though Don is originally from Malta – and they have enjoyed calling Saco home for all these years. Nellie, like Don, wasn’t sure what to think of being honored in the parade.

“I’m sure there are people who are more deserving,” she said.

Nellie admitted that she hadn’t practiced her parade routine and, in a pinch, Shelley Romo advised Nellie to bend her elbow and gently wave back and forth (which Nellie proceeded to do like a parade-pro.)

The end of the 52nd Saco Fun Days means planning for the 53rd has already started.

“We are already planning and looking forward to another great event next year,” said Malmend.