Fireworks display, festivities at Beverly Homecoming

Display location: Lynch Park
City:BEVERLY
State:Massachusetts.
Date:Aug. 9.
Show contact:978-921-6067.

Details: BEVERLY — The 43rd annual Beverly Homecoming kicks off tonight with a new event — the "Moonshine Murder Mystery" dinner theater, $35 at the Liberty Lodge — and kicks it up a notch with a fireworks display at Lynch Park on Sunday, Aug. 9.

However, that display might not pack quite the punch it did in the past.

The Beverly Homecoming Committee has less than half of its usual funding for the fireworks display, volunteer John Maihos said. It costs about $15,000, and they've raised almost $6,500, which will be combined with reserves from previous years.

Yet, the show will go on, Beverly Recreation Director Bruce Doig said.

"The fireworks are a great way to end our homecoming events," Doig said. "People from around the North Shore visit Lynch Park to see them, and they look forward to them. We'll do whatever is necessary to have a show again this year."

The Lobster Festival on Wednesday is one of the only fundraising events for the display.

"We'll have to push hard for next year to make sure we continue on this nice tradition," Maihos said.

While Lobster Fest remains a highlight, and Lynch Park is the place to be during the weeklong celebration, Homecoming is meant to bring the city together, and many events extend into the community.

Don't miss the second annual hot dog-eating contest Monday at Rondogs on Rantoul Street, or a tour of the Hospital Point Lighthouse, which is only open a few days a year.

The Beverly Senior Center is also hosting a wide range of activities like bridge and cribbage games, health assessments, exercise classes, and more.

Also new this year is the Roaming Raceway & Railroad, a kids' carnival that will roll into Lynch Park during Tiny Tots Day on Sunday.

Last year it rained, and a couple of years ago the heat seemed to drive people away, Doig said. Hopefully, the weather this year will be better, and the Recreation Department plans to set up a large tent, just in case.

The city is also looking for Lobster Fest volunteers to do a number of odd jobs like setting up and breaking down tables, clothing sales, recycling assistance and parking lot help.

For more information, contact the Beverly Recreation Department at 978-921-6067.

For a complete schedule and more information, visit www.beverlyhome coming.com.