Grand Illumination Lights the Way
The Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association hosted its annual Grand Illumination night on Thursday evening, bringing a festive glow to the historic Camp Ground in Oak Bluffs.
The Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association hosted its annual Grand Illumination night on Thursday evening, bringing a festive glow to the historic Camp Ground in Oak Bluffs.
Traditionally held on Wednesday each year, the event was moved one day forward due to high winds and rain from Hurricane Erin. Illumination Night dates back to 1869, when cottagers hung paper lanterns on their porch to welcome Gov. William Claflin, who was visiting the Island.
The festivities began in the Tabernacle, where the Vineyard Haven Band entertained hundreds of people. The traditional Community Sing was led by Bob Cleasby, and then Peter Ferguson was given the honor of lighting the first lantern.
Lanterns are often passed down through the generations.
Lanterns are often passed down through the generations.
For a moment darkness filled the Tabernacle and surrounding Camp Ground. Then the entire area was flooded with light from paper lanterns shining from porches, front yards and even a hammock.
Cottagers had spent the previous days preparing their lanterns, many of which are handmade and passed down through generations.
At the end of a rainbow-chalked walkway, Amy Bannon and her husband, Peter, sat on their porch, which was lit by several hand-painted Vineyard-themed lanterns.
“The kids have been painting these lanterns for over 20 years, it’s cool to hang them every year,” Ms. Bannon said.
Bob Cleasby led the Community Sing.
Bob Cleasby led the Community Sing.
For many homeowners, the lanterns serve as a connection to family. Vici Surr’s lanterns were made by her father nearly 40 years ago.
“He made paper inserts for all of them but by the time I brought them in last year at the end of Illumination, I realized they were starting to tear, so this winter I took them all apart, washed the frames and made all new paper inserts,” she said.
The refurbished inserts featured pictures of her grandmother, who first owned the cottage, as well as her mother, father and brother.
“It’s really fun to describe my lanterns to people as they are so unique,” Ms. Surr said.
Dressing the part.
Dressing the part.
Nancy D’ercole and her husband, Gary, sat on their front porch behind bright red umbrellas. The couple were also paying homage to family members who had died, including Ms. D’ercole’s sisters Margaret and Joe, and sister-in-law, Leslie.
Ms. D’ercole said one of her favorite parts of the event is being able to see her neighbor’s lanterns.
“Earlier we were with our whole row, chatting about lanterns, which ones they were putting up and how they were doing it,” she said. “It’s definitely a community.”
For many Island residents and visitors, attending Illumination is an essential summer evening. Katie Stafford and her daughter Bianca meandered around the Camp Ground, admiring the vibrant lights. Bianca, 12, said she has been attending Illumination her whole life.
A cozy spot, even for lanterns.
A cozy spot, even for lanterns.
“I love how it’s always lit up, and colorful, and fun,” she said.
Ms. Stafford said she had loved watching her daughter grow up beside the lights.
“We have pictures over the years of her posing with all the different lanterns, and every year a little montage will pop up of Illumination over the years,” she said.
Eric Greco was enjoying his first illumination. He was visiting his friend Douglas, who has been coming to illumination for the past three years.
“My favorite part is just the people, they are all so friendly,” Mr. Greco said.
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