The Vineyard offers numerous 4th of July activities for people of all ages and interests
by Kendra Mills
The Martha’s Vineyard community kicks off the annual Fourth of July celebrations with a parade on the main street of Edgartown. The island is swarmed during these two upcoming weeks and the very height of summer activity culminates in downtown Edgartown. The celebrations are exceptionally island-oriented. Past years have included participants from long standing island camps such as Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary’s Summer Camp, Sail Martha’s Vineyard, and Camp Jabberwocky. The holiday is a commemoration of national independence but possesses a decidedly intimate and comfortable quality. Of course, spectators are also given the chance to recognize military personnel from the island’s residents.
Past highlights include, the historic fire engine, drawn by the strength of runners, displaying how fires were dealt with many, many years ago; gregarious congregations of island music, including an drum band that often inspires impromptu dancing on part of the spectators; real dancers, performing routines choreographed for the parade; and countless handcrafted floats carrying children with flags and candy. The parade is decidedly family-oriented, but after its culmination most everyone barbeques and finds a place to enjoy the fireworks show put on over the Edgartown Harbor. Edgartown Meat and Fish offers an excellent selection of goods for a Fourth of July picnic on the beach and several restaurants and hotels host parties.
When describing the festivities of this years Fourth of July, parade director, Joe Sollitto, proudly states, “Ninety nine percent of the people who participate in the parade are people that either live here year round or have summer homes here. I know we have two bands that come from off island but thats about it. Everybody else is a local participant.”
However, if some feel as though the intensity of the festivities are not to their liking, Murdick’s Fudge hosts an annual five mile road race to benefit Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Martha’s Vineyard. Alternatively, one can find the Vineyard Streetball Classic 3 on 3 basketball tournament at Niantic Park in Oak Bluffs.
To catch the aforementioned Edgartown festivities, plan to arrive well before five and be prepared to walk from your parking place. The fireworks begin at 8:45 and often last for over an hour. You don’t want to miss the town’s transformation into a party with streets and beaches being generally overrun with people having a good time.
Don’t forget! July 4th festivities have been postponed to July 5th due to the coming storm.
