At sundown the gingerbread houses of the Camp Ground will glow with the light of thousands of lanterns, part of a summertime tradition in Oak Bluffs.

Illumination, the Agricultural Fair, the Oak Bluffs Fireworks, it’s all happening this coming week, the end of summer bonanza that keeps on giving.

The Camp Ground lit up for the 148th Grand Illumination Wednesday. Before the lanterns were turned on, crowds packed the Tabernacle for a concert by the Vineyard Haven Band and a community sing.

The 148th Grand Illumination is tonight at the Camp Ground in Oak Bluffs. At sundown, the gingerbread houses will glow with the light of thousands of lanterns, part of a summertime tradition dating to the 1860s. Events begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tonight gingerbread houses will be aglow once again for Grand Illumination Night, a cherished Camp Ground tradition for almost 150 years. The action gets underway at 7:30 p.m., and the first lantern is lit at dusk.

CJ Rivard compares Illumination Night to Christmas Day. The bright lights. The excitement. The tradition.