We all know labor Day weekend should not be about mourning the fun stuff you didn’t have an opportunity to squeeze in, but rather it should offer equal doses of pleasure and despondency. I’ve lived vicariously through many of you over the past few months. I’ve watched you wander by to beach barbecues and I’ve watched you steam out of the harbor for a sunset cruise. The concept of a summer vacation is so deeply ingrained in many that it’s hard to grasp the fact that it’s just not like that for many of us. Cue the musty, sandy, beach towel so I can wipe my tears and gear up for what I hope will prove to be a less melancholic fall.

If you are looking to experience vibrant and captivating artwork, but don’t want to travel all the way downtown, then look no further than Chilmark’s MV Bank. From now through Sept. 3, the Nisa Mars art exhibition will be on display during business hours. The colors she uses draw the viewer into its own universe of pigment and light. If you are feeling adventurous, you should run down to Mocha Mott’s on Circuit avenue to be surrounded by her A Bugs Life show which is only hanging until August 31. If you can’t squeeze in either, check out her website at nisamars.com.

I spotted Juan Loveluck out cruising on his vintage Eddy Merckx bike the other day. I’ll admit I had to use the power of the internet to find out they are revered for their craftsmanship, handmade steel frames connection to the legendary cyclist. I know the left side stamping reveals the age and model of each vintage bike so the next time he cruises by I will have to look.

Juan actually made a pitstop to make sure I’d been made aware of the article in the Boston Globe, an interview with James Taylor, where he makes mention of Menemsha Texaco, Marshall’s grandfather Curly Carroll and cousin Jeanne (Smith) Taylor. Those old phone booths certainly have a storied past.

They’re not back for long, but Claudia Macedo and Lew French sat a spell on Squid Row catching up with friends over a couple of cold sodas after an extended stay in Brazil. Life will take them back out of the country soon so it was nice to catch a glimpse of them for an all too brief visit.

The fair has come to an end and along with it folks are still talking about the spectacular entries and remarkable volunteers. I saw entries with familiar names assigned to them: Ida Mayhew, Mae Thompson, Emme Carroll, Oona Carroll, Oscar Wilbur, Mica Zoref, Ben Cabot, Reed Cabot and so many more. My family had the pleasure of agricultural society chair Garrison Vieira’s company while strolling. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to witness the skillet toss myself, I did hear that Clara Athearn has quite an arm and managed to lob that hunk of iron quite a distance.

I did have a chance to chat with Mary Boyd who was the person with all the answers about who, what, where and when relating to hall entries and organizations. Rightfully so, Mary was honored as this year’s recipient of the Janice Haynes Volunteer Award.

Speaking of awards, while Paul Iantosca grilled hot dogs for the softball players at Flanders Field, the annual awards ceremony took place alongside the singing of a humorous ditty in honor of Sig Van Raan’s 80th birthday. According to Sig, rookie awards went to two seven year olds and last week’s eight-year-old pinch runner, Coco. A new award, dubbed the Field of Dreams Slugger Award, went to Junior Farrell, and the MVP went to Keon Petlin. Elijah Feiner took home the Howie Hustle Award for his great defense and sportsmanship. Another new award went to Jerry “rifle arm” Murphy, who received a  Hall of Fame award, presented to him as a senior player for his consistency as a star player. He was named MVP back in 2003.

Let’s wrap up this week’s column with a hip, hip, hooray shout out to Stan Mercer who recently celebrated his 92nd birthday. Twist my arm. I will surely slip my fork into a slice of cake in your honor.