Chabad on the Vineyard is still trying to nail down its plans for a popular summer festival after its proposal for parking was met with resistance by Chilmark town officials last week.

On April 1, Rabbi Tzvi Alperowitz went to the Chilmark select board to seek permission to have attendees of the Jewish Cultural Festival park on town-owned land and then ride a shuttle to the event at a large private property on Point Inner Way. 

Chabad on the Vineyard wanted to park cars at a lot by the town landfill and Flanders field. The land isn’t traditionally used as parking for the town, raising concerns among select board members. 

There was no official vote, but the select board voiced its displeasures at the proposed idea.

The festival was held at the Zoia property in Chilmark in 2023.

Larry Glick

The festival was held at the Zoia property in Chilmark in 2023.

Larry Glick

“The objection seems to be that this town area has not been used for parking for anything and is designated open space,” select board chair James Malkin said at the meeting.

This is the second setback for Chabad on the Vineyard’s hope for the festival, which drew hundreds of people last year when it was held at a property on Edgartown-West Tisbury Road in West Tisbury.

During last year’s festival, the organization exceeded its permitted capacity of 350 people. Chabad on the Vineyard initially proposed to return to West Tisbury in 2025, but was only allowed by the select board to have 300 people instead of the festival’s planned 800 attendees.

In response, Chabad on the Vineyard looked to return to its 2023 venue – a large private home in Chilmark owned by New York businessman Adam Zoia. 

In an interview with the Gazette this week, Rabbi Alperowitz said the lack of parking leaves the festival in limbo. 

“We can do it there but only if we find the parking solution,” he said. “Otherwise, we’re not sure.”

The festival is planned for either August 4 or 5. The board noted that annual events such as Meet The Fleet and the Chilmark Road Race also take place that week.  

The congestion of people at the height of the season also raised worries among the Chilmark select board members. 

“We’re trying to keep the character in our town, and keep it as rural as possible, and being careful towards commercial activities, private activities, events,” Mr. Malkin said. “There’s so much strain on our infrastructure, particularly in August.”