Where to be and when for the patriotic holiday
Liz Hilfrank
The Fourth of July has come to be a day filled with cookouts, beach trips, parades, fireworks and crowds; and Martha’s Vineyard is no exception to the stereotype. With events in each town, this day is sure to be filled with patriotism.
One of the most common associations made with the Fourth is food, but you’ve been working on a beach body all spring. To beat the cheat day, start off by burning some calories at the Run the Chop Challenge sponsored by Murdick’s Fudge at the Tisbury School in Vineyard Haven.
The race, beginning at 9AM, serves to benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club. To be part of the charitable five-mile run, register online at www.murdicks.com/runthechop before the 4th for $25, or from 7:00AM-8:45AM the day of the race for $30.
But don’t worry if competitive running is not your thing because you can always sign up to be part of the untimed 3mile walk club, also $25. And if your children need to burn off some early-morning energy, anyone under the age of 12 can pay $5 to participate in the fun run starting at 8:30AM.
When the race ends, the day has just begun, and if you’re with the family, then it is time to hop on a bus to the Parade for Kids at Trinity Park Tabernacle in Oaks Bluff. What began in 1997 as two adults and four children marching 50 yards banging pots and pans in patriotic apparel has become 400 children enthusiastically marching the entire street length. Hosted by the MV Camp Meeting Association from 10:00AM to 10:30AM, all children, parents, pots and pans are welcome to participate, with an ice cream social to follow.
Fast-forward to 4:00PM, and your time on the beach is dwindling, but you’re not quite ready for the holiday to end. Luckily, Edgartown has plenty of events planned late into the evening.
From 4:00PM to 8:00PM, the MV Preservation Trust will host its annual barbeque at the Dr. Daniel Fischer House. Burgers and hot dogs will be sold à la carte while marching bands perform free concerts.
Then, stick around for the annual Town of Edgartown Parade starting at 5PM. Watch various marching bands and floats make their way from the Edgartown School to Peases’ Point Way, down Main Street and back; and if want to do more than just watch, there’s still time to be in the parade, just register your antique car or float by 2PM July 1. Creating a float will even give you the chance to win $1,000, a small compensation for the prior burger purchase.
After the parade, make your way down to Edgartown Harbor for some fireworks. Beginning at 9PM, colorful stars will cover the dark sky. The Memorial Wharf is always a good spot to view, so make sure to head over early.
With so much eating and marching, Independence Day on the Vineyard is the perfect way to celebrate America in the most traditional way.
