This week brings the dog shows and skillet throws, tractor pulls and spinning wools, oyster shucking, horse bucking, burger making and prize taking that make up the 145th annual Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair - better known in a single breath as the ag fair.

The festivities begin Thursday at 10 a.m. at the agricultural hall in West Tisbury and close on Sunday at 7 p.m.

Mr. Patrick Urges Voters to Shape Political Dialogue

By MAX HART

Deval L. Patrick can understand the disillusionment.

Building Plan Comes to MVC

Commission Pledges to Expedite Hearing on Kennebec Proposal; Developer Requests Leniency on Project Restrictions

By IAN FEIN

An Oak Bluffs building owner made his case to the Martha's Vineyard Commission last week that the regional planning agency should not impose any restrictions on the three-story structure that is nearing completion on Kennebec avenue.

In addition to running against three candidates with considerably more experience in town politics, Mr. DiOrio was a relative newcomer to the Oak Bluffs scene.

Breakdown at SSA Continues to Grate on Those Stranded

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

As the Steamship Authority launched post-mortems on its performance when two freight boats failed last Saturday night, the experience has continued to rankle with visitors, some of whom waited up to 12 hours to leave the Vineyard.

Olga Hirshhorn: Curator Knows Artistic Value Is More Than Price

By MAX HART

The woman with an eye for Rodins, Picassos, de Koonings and O'Keeffes also, as it turns out, likes Zitos.