The Fair! The Full Moon! The Flowers!

August 19, 2021

This weekend, our Oyster columnist Alex Bullen Coutts is going all in on the Fair (see below). We think she’s got the right idea, but we might also sneak in a few art shows, do some kayaking or hiking, and spend some time at the beach. But wait, there’s sunflower-picking to do, too! And what about a film? Some live music? Built on Stilts? Decisions, decisions. Better check The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar for all the upcoming events and activities.Then take a look at our highlights below and plan your schedule to make the most of this second to last week of August on the Vineyard.

Playing Douglass

The pioneering abolitionist Frederick Douglass was known and celebrated for his powerful speeches, and it has been documented that he spoke on the Island — in Edgartown in 1857 and in Oak Bluffs in 1876. On Saturday, August 21, Douglass returns to the Island (in a sense) when award-winning actor, writer and director Roger Guenveur Smith performs his one-man show Frederick Douglass NOW from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs.

Full Moon Rising

Enjoy the tranquility of Long Point Wildlife Refuge in West Tisbury during a Sturgeon Moon Paddle & Campfire on Sunday, August 22 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Participants will kayak from Long Cove Pond to Lily Pad Cove before enjoying a fire on the beach under the moonlight. Space is limited and registration is required.

Picture Perfect

You’ve seen Jeanna Shepard’s work in the Vineyard Gazette, Martha’s VineyardMagazine and the Vine. Now is your chance to view her fine-art photography during a one-woman show entitled Golden Hour on the Water at the Feldman Family Artspace inside the lobby of the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Vineyard Haven. The show is up daily through September 12.

Show Tunes

After taking a hiatus in 2020, Island Theatre Workshop is happy to present an outdoor show titled Broadway in the Park on the lawn of the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. On Sunday, August 22 at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Monday, August 23 at 6:30 p.m. performers will present an original musical revue following twenty-five years of Broadway songs with tunes from The Wizard of Oz, South Pacific, Peter Pan, Oliver and more.

Soak Up the Sun(Flower)

The FARM Institute’s one-acre sunflower field is bursting with blooms, which means now is the time to go and pick your own! On Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., sign up for a half hour time slot for up to five guests to pick a total of 10 sunflower stems.

And while the sunflowers are in bloom, take advantage of their beauty during a Sunflower Photography Mini Session with Island photographer David Welch. On Tuesday, August 24 and Wednesday, August 25 from 3 to 4:45 p.m., sign up for a 15 minute photo session for up to five family members.

The fair, the FAIR!!!

Maybe it’s because we’ve had an extra year to prepare, but this summer I’m feeling like I need a “fair plan,” just to be sure I don’t miss anything. If you, too, would like to nerd out and meticulously pre-plan your fair fun, be sure to visit the full fair schedule here . (Scroll down on that page for info on Covid precautions; bring a mask for access to indoor fair fun!)

Some standouts: in the live music category, catch Brothers McMahon (at right) on Thursday at 8 p.m., and Dock Dance on Saturday at 6 p.m. Stay late Saturday night for Alise Eve and her hip-hop dancers, starting at 7:30 p.m. Johnny Hoy closes out the party at 8 p.m.

As far as events go, you’ll need to wake up early Sunday to catch the dog show at 10 a.m, and plan a return for the Women’s Skillet Toss at 3 pm.

And you’ll also want to consider the special guest stars on the food scene this year: Goldie’s Rotisserie will be making their first full fair appearance, with Cinnamon Starship slinging Fork To Pork pulled pork sandwiches on Saturday only. If you’re in the mood for some Good Pierogi, you’ll want to plan your fair visit for Sunday.

Once you’ve penciled in your fair must-dos (and must-eats,) it’s time to fill in the blanks with non-fair-related activities….just kidding, there aren’t any!

It’s fair, beach, fair, repeat. Thursday – Sunday. Got it?

See you on the Zipper! (Kidding again; tea cups are more my speed.)

Alex