Both the Homer and Anchor Point communities came together to welcome in the new year last Tuesday with a variety of celebrations.

For Homer, it was the seventh annual crowdfunded New Year’s Eve Fireworks Fantastical, organized by Aaron and Jenny Weisser and held at Mariner Park. The community was advised via the event’s Facebook page to arrive early to get a good spot, but more than half an hour before the show’s start time at 8:05 p.m. the northbound lane of Homer Spit Road, the Mariner Park parking lot and the empty site of Lighthouse Village were already crammed with cars.

Families and groups choosing to not remain in their parked cars to view the fireworks filled the beach at Mariner Park. Many gathered around fires to keep warm, though the night remained clear, and kids raced back from the Siren’s Seafood and Street Food truck, parked near the entrance of Mariner Park to sell hot drinks and snacks, just in time to claim their seats for the planned fantastical.

The fireworks show lasted approximately 18 minutes, to loud cheers from the gathered crowd and honks from cars parked along Homer Spit Road’s northbound lane. For those unable to attend in person, the show was also live streamed on the event’s Facebook page. The Peninsula Radio Group also broadcast a live, commercial-free soundtrack to accompany the fireworks display on K-WAVE 104.9.

In Anchor Point, the festivities started at 7 p.m. at the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221 with karaoke. A flag retirement ceremony was held in the VFW’s backyard at 9 p.m., followed by Anchor Point’s own fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Community members gathered in the VFW’s backyard and down the street at the pavilion next to Great Land Worship Center, where fires were lit to keep attendees warm and food and hot drinks were also provided.

In all, a satisfactory way to greet 2025 — with food, fireworks and neighbors. Happy New Year, everyone.

Anchor Point community members gather around a bonfire at the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221 before the fireworks show on Dec. 31, 2024, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

New Year’s Eve fireworks are set off behind the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221 on Dec. 31, 2024, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Fireworks fill the night sky above Mariner Park on the Homer Spit during the seventh annual crowdfunded New Year’s Eve Fireworks Fantastical on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Fireworks light up Mariner Park during the seventh annual crowdfunded New Year’s Eve Fireworks Fantastical on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)