Coronavirus Concerns Postpone Essex Tech Homecoming Gala

DANVERS, MA — Hopes to bring back the annual Essex Tech Homecoming Gala in person this fall have been put on hold because of coronavirus concerns.

The gala, which had been planned outdoors for the front lawn of Smith Hall on Oct. 16, will instead be moved to May 14, 2022, on the South Campus lawn.

The gala benefits the Catherine Larkin Memorial Cottage project.

"Due to recent concerns about large group gatherings, we have decided to move the Larkin Gala," Superintendent Heidi Riccio said. "We look forward to gathering for this great event in the spring."

Essex Tech had set a fundraising goal of about $2.5 million for the project. The 2020 Larkin Gala, held remotely because of the pandemic, raised about $16,200.

The 70-year-old cottage once served as the home of the homemaking program at Essex Tech. It is named after Lt. Catherine Larkin, a former homemaking student and World War II nurse who died in a plane crash in 1945.

The new building will be on Route 62 across from the farm stand and will include an agricultural museum, learning center and community function space. The space will feature historic artifacts from the school's history and a functioning kitchen to support events.

The Larkin Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at the gala. The award honors those who have demonstrated a commitment to and achievement within the local vocational and or agricultural industries.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)