The Aquinnah selectmen will send a formal cease and desist letter to the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) asking the tribe to halt all activity to convert the tribal community center to a gambling hall.

Walk The Moon was the big name at the fifth annual Stars and Stripes festival held on Friday night at Flatbread, but two local kids proved they were ready for the limelight too. Leah Hairston and Robert Hanjian opened the sold-out show to benefit the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard.

On no other summer afternoon would there be so many empty parking spaces in downtown Edgartown, But the Fourth of July parade was about to begin and crowds gathered on porches and lined sidewalks to celebrate.

Edgartown firefighters swiftly contained an upper-story fire at the Atlantic Restaurant at the foot of Main street Saturday morning. Deputy fire chief Alex Schaeffer was first on the scene along with Edgartown police officer Ryan Ruley.

Friday night capped a busy day for public safety officials around the Island. There were two fires and a major beach was closed to off-road vehicles as the Vineyard filled up with cars and people at the outset of the Fourth of July holiday.