by Chaiel Schaffel
Few activities on the Vineyard can claim to be purely ‘island.’ Among them, the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair sits as a proud testament to island life in its most distilled form. Held at the Agricultural Society’s headquarters in West Tisbury, the four day event is an island staple. The 2014 fair, lasting four days, will be open for its 153rd year this summer, and is sure to provide delightful times to all that attend. The fair represents the meshing of two different sides of an island split by cultures, seasons,and backgrounds. A summer resident and a year-round settler both come to the same , the tourist and the farmer both see the same cattle, and the summer and winter are both represented as the late summer heat points toward autumn, and with it, thoughts of frost and winter.
The background atmosphere of the fair represents a side of the island shrouded by dirt roads, wide open fields, and relative isolation. This is the up-island, farmland feeling that gives the fair its name. From this part of the event comes the shapely, deep orange pumpkins and beautifully ripe red tomatoes, hoping to win a ribbon. The judging is a key point of the festivities, and is meted out by several judges that circle like roving investors, peering and conferring among themselves. From this side of the island comes the the ever popular skillet toss, where island women attempt to throw a heavy skillet as far as possible, or the horse pull, where horses from around the island attempt to pull a huge, weighted sled. The different categories of judging seem to stretch on forever, while the uniquely island events contribute to the rural feeling. This is a place that exhibits a side of the island usually observed from a roadside post fence. This is a chance for day trippers and visitors to dip their feet into the old Vineyard culture, something not as prevalent among the bright lights and moped whine of the bigger towns on island.
The other side of the island represented here is one that needs no introduction. Fresh faces, friendly chatter abound, and a sense of newness to the people, to the surroundings, and to the island as a whole permeates the air. This side of the island’s culture is well represented at the festivities by the rides, the flashing lights, the loud noise, and the constant questions posed by those who need new information. This side brings energy to the event, along with a touch of modern life. Constantly turning, whizzing, and rolling by, the rides at the fair, provided by Cushing Amusements for over 25 years, are a delight to all. The towering structures are especially a hit with younger attendees. The music is also a constant force at the festival, moving like a river from act to act, and never quite stopping. A strolling quintet, among various local musicians, provide the hop in everyone’s step. If the rural side of the island proves the tradition, this side draws in the younger crowd and allows them to have a taste of Vineyard life, along with modern conveniences. If the traditional part of the fair is the engine, this younger, higher energy piece is the fuel.
The fair is more than just a day of fun. It is a golden opportunity for all of those who enjoy this island to gather, and celebrate the different parts of the Vineyard, together . The motley crew of attendees and residents that make up the fair are the most essential and concentrated taste of the island that one can hope for. Raw, real, and fun — The fair is Martha’s Vineyard.
The Agricultural Fair is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM Thursday-Saturday , and 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Sunday, August 21st-24th. For more information visit the Agricultural Society’s website at www.mvas.vineyard.net, or call the Agricultural society at 508-693-9549. Adults admission is $10, while children are $5, and children under 5 years of age are free.
