Grand Illumination Night
Lanterns of all shapes and sizes adorn Camp Ground's gingerbread cottages.
Lanterns of all shapes and sizes adorn Camp Ground's gingerbread cottages.
Period dress is nod to Ilumination Night's tradition.
Period dress is nod to Ilumination Night's tradition.
Annual event began in 1869 in honor of governor of Massachusetts's visit to Oak Bluffs.
Annual event began in 1869 in honor of governor of Massachusetts's visit to Oak Bluffs.
Some lanterns are new, others are treasured heirlooms.
Some lanterns are new, others are treasured heirlooms.
The evening begins with community sing at the Tabernacle, under direction from Bob Cleasby.
The evening begins with community sing at the Tabernacle, under direction from Bob Cleasby.
Tabernacle is filled with song during community sing.
Tabernacle is filled with song during community sing.
A special honor: lighting the first lantern.
A special honor: lighting the first lantern.
Guests wander Camp Ground under lantern light.
Guests wander Camp Ground under lantern light.
When Illumination Night began, paper lanterns were inexpensive and popular decorations.
When Illumination Night began, paper lanterns were inexpensive and popular decorations.
Some go electric, while traditionalists use candles.
Some go electric, while traditionalists use candles.
As many as 10,000 people attend Grand Illumination Night.
As many as 10,000 people attend Grand Illumination Night.
An enchanted evening to greet friends and celebrate summer.
An enchanted evening to greet friends and celebrate summer.
Lanterns and the moon light the summer sky.
Lanterns and the moon light the summer sky.
Grand Illumination Night has been a summer staple on Martha's Vineyard since 1869, when the first event was held in honor of the visiting governor of Massachusetts. After sundown on the third Wednesday in August, lanterns of all kinds cast a magical glow over the charming gingerbread cottages at the Martha's Vineyard Camp Ground.
For 2022, Grand Illumination will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 17. The event begins at 8 p.m. at the Tabernacle with an introduction and the Vineyard Haven Band.
At 8:30 p.m. house lights will go out and the first lantern will be lit by the honorary lamp lighter. At 8:45 p.m. the band concert begins as the crowd is invited to stroll through the enchanted scene.
Between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. church chimes announce the end of festivities.
The Grand Illumination is a free-will offering event, with guests encouraged to donate what they can. The camp meeting association is a nonprofit organization. For more information visit mvcma.org.