Fair Winds
August 10, 2023
Vineyard summers always fly by, but this one certainly has had the wind behind it. It’s hard to believe that next week is fair week, but it’s true – the calendar doesn’t lie! So go ahead and make your plans for next week; we’ve got info on the big events at the end of this newsletter. (And don’t forget to register your fair hall entries by Sunday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m.) But in the meantime, fill this week with quintessential Vineyard summer activities, from swimming and hiking to art and music. We’ve got some ideas for you below and plenty more on The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar.
Make the most of the remaining summer evenings by joining The Trustees of Reservations for its new Sunset Hike and Swimprogram at Menemsha Hills. Learn about the land on a 2.5-mile hike to the beach and then swim or float in the water as the sun sets. The program takes place on Thursday nights starting at 7 p.m.
Enjoy the excitement and serenity of fly fishing without ever making a cast. On Friday, August 11, Kismet Outfitters in Edgartown is presenting a Fly Fishing Film Tour 2023 from 6 to 8 p.m. Provisions and food will be on hand.
How many of Jay Lagemann’s playful, colorful sculptures have you spotted around the Island? You’re sure to see more if you visit his Open Studio and Sculpture Garden Party in Chilmark on Saturday, August 12 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Zita Cousens at Cousen Rose Gallery in Oak Bluffs invites you to celebrate collage artist Ekua Holmes at an artist reception on Saturday, August 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. Fusion jazz violinist Wesley Morris will provide the music.
Groove to the sounds of soul and funk music at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center on Monday, August 14, Tuesday, August 15 and Thursday, August 17 when the Martha’s Vineyard Soulfest brings multiple artists to the stage.
Wednesday, August 16, 7:30 p.m.
An annual tradition, Grand Illumination Night features a singalong under the Tabernacle starting at 7:30 p.m., followed by the ceremonial lighting of the first lantern – and hundreds more all over the Camp Ground – around 8:25.
On Wednesday afternoon, kids can paint their own lanterns at the Oak Bluffs Public Library. Choose from three time slots.
Thursday, August 17 to Sunday, August 20
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The fair, which began as a one-day exhibition showcasing livestock 160 years ago, is now a four-day affair with rides, games, competitions, food, displays, music and more. An Island tradition, the fair is the place to visit with friends old and new as the summer winds down. For more information about entering the competitions and admission to the fair, visit marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org/the-fair.
Friday, August 18, 9 p.m.
The annual Oak Bluffs Fireworks display will light up the sky at Ocean Park at approximately 9 p.m. Before that, the Vineyard Haven Band will play beginning at 8 p.m. This year, paid parking will be available in Washington and Waban Parks, so bring a blanket, grab some dinner and find your spot in Ocean Park.
We know how challenging it is to plan your August schedule; to make sure you’ve got the latest information, check The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar, which is updated regularly. You can also browse the digital edition of the Vineyard Gazette Media Group’s new publication, August on the Vineyard, a selection of cultural and entertainment events going on this month.
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