NEWBURYPORT — With the 67th annual Yankee Homecoming just around the corner, organizers are hopeful that a late surge in BrewFest ticket sales could save the festival’s fireworks display from fizzling out.
“Sales are quite a bit down from where they usually are this time. And for people that don’t follow us, basically the BrewFest pays for the fireworks, and part of the parade,” Yankee Homecoming President Jason LaCroix said.
Set to run from July 25 to Aug. 3, Yankee Homecoming is one of the city’s longest running traditions, with the fireworks display scheduled for Aug. 2.
LaCroix said that thankfully the parade, which closes Yankee Homecoming on Aug. 3, is not in any jeopardy as contracts were signed “months ago.”
“We can’t change those, but fireworks are the most flexible thing we have to change if we need to,” LaCroix said.
Yankee Homecoming General Chairperson Brittany Verville spoke about how costly the fireworks could be.
“I just put out a post on our page this morning about getting some support for the fireworks, because they cost upwards of $40,000,” Verville said.
Without sharing specifics on where they are monetarily, Verville said that sales are “not even close” to where they need to be to support the fireworks.
BrewFest, set for Saturday July 26, will be held at the Cashman Park Baseball Field, from 5 to 9 p.m. and has over 20 brewers signed up to participate.
Folks will be able to enjoy beers and live music while socializing and helping to fund the fireworks and parade.
General admission costs $45. A limited number of non-drinker tickets are also available for a $25. The event is 21 and up only.
LaCroix said he was unsure why BrewFest was not drawing in the interest it had previous years, noting he felt the energy around Yankee Homecoming as a whole has been “weird” this year.
“It doesn’t seem like there’s as much excitement in the community as in years past. We haven’t seen as many Yankee Homecoming flags come out on High Street and around town as we usually have,” LaCroix said.
Still, he and his team are still very excited.
“We have a bunch of volunteers who have worked really hard over the past year to put on some fantastic events,” LaCroix said.
He specifically praised Verville for how her dedication in her first year as lead organizer.
“She’s been working her butt off organizing the troops and getting all the planning done,” LaCroix said.
Verville stressed that the event would not be possible without the volunteers, sponsors and donors who contribute.
“It takes over a 100 volunteers who start planning the month after the festival ends—we literally plan nearly a year in advance,” Verville said.
Regarding what events will be happening, Verville said everything on the schedule is still set to happen.
“Fireworks is currently our biggest potential cancellation and everything else is weather-pending. The parade doesn’t go off if it’s going to pour, because nobody wants to play their electric instruments plugged into a generator while it’s raining,” Verville said.
For full information on schedules and events visit: yankeehomecoming.com