New 'Mayor of Charlestown' Named

After a 16-year hiatus, Charlestown welcomed in a new honorary mayor Saturday night, during the annual “Mummers” concert at the Bunker Hill Monument.

Outgoing Mayor of Charlestown Debbie Lang, who was the last mayor elected in 1998, announced the 2013 mayor—Shannon Lundin, who collected 3,638 votes.

The Mayor of Charlestown doesn’t have any political power but holds the honorary title for one year, marching in the Battle of Bunker Hill Parade and participating in various community events throughout the year.

Lundin was one of four candidates in the 2013 race, along with local residents Tony V., Beth Cannizzaro Vigilante and Jenae Robinson. To collect “votes,” each candidate sold ballots for $1 each.

Along with the honorary title, Lundin won a trip for two to Ireland. She said she will be taking her daughter, Laneigh Lundin-Monaco.

“I remember being a little girl and wanting to be the Charlestown Rose or the Mayor—mostly the Rose,” Lundin said after accepting the title. “I thank God in everything I do, and I’m just really, really grateful because I love my community and this makes me feel like they love me back.”

The Philadelphia, PA-based Polish American String Band, known locally as the "Mummers," awarded Lundin with the flag of Philadelphia, courtesy of Philadelphia City Councilor Mark Squilla and in honor of the people of Boston, following the Boston Marathon bombings.

The friendly local competition raised more than $7,000 for the nonprofit Townie Association, member Sean Boyle said. In past years, the event has brought in as much as $12,000 per candidate.

"It's just for fun, and it was was a fundraiser for us," he said. "That's what the Townie Association is all about—trying to bring back all these traditions and pass them down to the next generation. [...] It's just started again, so maybe next year we'll do even better."