The gates to the 163rd Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair opened on Thursday at 10 a.m. and eager fairgoers quickly headed for the rides and food stalls, or to the barn to check out the newest entrant: over 10 piglets, born just as the event began.
The gates to the 163rd Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair opened on Thursday at 10 a.m. and eager fairgoers quickly headed for the rides and food stalls lined up along the midway, or to the barn to check out the newest entrant: over 10 piglets, born just as the event began.
Per tradition, the day commenced with the 4-H parade, where the Katama Cowpokes were getting to work. Leading the way was Wren Robertson and two-year-old oxen Ginny and Georgia.
“They’re just like puppies,” Wren said. “They’re so awesome, I love them so much.”
4-H club got things started.
4-H club got things started.
As the opening parade came to a close, the pulling ring became the center of activity. Crowds peered through the fence to watch oxen of all different sizes and colors. Meg Athearn watched with family and friends as her daughter Penny led a calf around the ring.
“It’s cool to see the progression of the huge ones all the way down to the calves and how much control they have,” Ms. Athearn said. “You can tell the people and the animals have a real relationship of respect.”
Across the way at the fiber tent, the sheep shearing and T-shirt quilt demonstrations began. New this year was Vermont-based sheep shearer Kathleen Markovich, who displayed a traditional technique.
“For each demonstration, I am shearing one sheep with a hand blade, the traditional way, and one with machine shears,” Ms. Markovich said. “I love talking about and sharing something I’m really passionate about.”
First-time fairgoers Samara Brophy and her friends Aaliyh and Aleyda browsed the Native Spirits table.
Piglets were born just after the opening bell.
Piglets were born just after the opening bell.
“I’m most excited to see all the animals,” said Ms. Brophy.
Volunteers were busy all morning, as they have been all week, helping to prepare the fairgrounds for four days of fun at which over 30,000 guests are expected to take part.
Operations manager Anna Swanson said it’s the behind-the-scenes details that make the fair special.
“There are all these little things that happen that you would have no idea about until you become really involved in the fair,” she said while helping to set up on Tuesday. “Today alone, I’ve coordinated a corn donation from Morning Glory for cornhusking, I’m organizing our compostables, handing out T-shirts to volunteers, there are a million little pieces that go into this.”
Ms. Swanson said the event is a true community effort.
Adelynn Rose and her bunny friend.
Adelynn Rose and her bunny friend.
“I love that there are so many people on this Island who want to be involved in something, it’s really special,” she said.
By Wednesday, the fairgrounds were ready for some finishing touches.
At the Martha’s Vineyard Made Booth, Rachel Baumrin hung colorfully dyed scarves on hooks and arranged an array of ceramic mugs. Her favorite fair years are the ones she has worked at or helped set up.
“I’ve always loved the fair growing up as a kid, so I think being able to be here for the whole event and not have to miss any moment of it is super special,” she said.
Across the field, the team from Fiesta Shows, the fair’s new amusement vendor, hung stuffed animal prizes from the roof of ring-toss game booths. Manager Randell Joseph Parent said things were coming together smoothly and that he was looking forward to opening day.
Catching air.
Catching air.
“Set up is going good; the people here are wonderful,” he said.
Back near the main hall, contestants carefully laid out farm fresh vegetables and artfully arranged Island grown flowers into vases.
Maggie Benoit, the garden coordinator at the Edgartown School, sorted through an abundance of fruits and veggies, including pears, grapes, tomatoes and peppers, that her students helped cultivate.
“We’re hoping for some ribbons, but it’s just cool to show that we are growing stuff at our school that can be fair worthy,” she said.
At a nearby picnic table, Ashleigh Dexter arranged colorful flowers into vibrant bouquets.
Sea serpents are fun to ride.
Sea serpents are fun to ride.
“I’m not a professional by any means, this is just something I like to do as a hobby, and I happened to have a lot of good flowers this year, so I decided to give it a shot and see how it goes,” she said.
Longtime pet show judge Andre Bonell is returning for his 48th year of judging. He said the kids, community and creativity keep him coming back.
“I’ve had kids that are bringing their own kids now, and that hits me in the heart that they come back,” he said.
For many, the fair is an integral part of the summer and the Vineyard community.
Zephy Thompson said she has been going to the fair for 23 years, her whole life.
“I just love the community vibe of it all,” she said. “You walk around and see everyone you’ve ever known.”
The fair continues through Sunday, running through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a complete schedule of events, visit marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org.
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