Blame it on terrorism, the stock market tumble or the fine weather that kept tourists on their beach blankets and away from downtown shops. Whatever the reason, it's been a lackluster summer at the cash register for most, but not all, Island businesses.
Annual Influx Begins as Island Prepares for Summer
Mike Creato gets the iconic red biplane ready to fly.
Mike Creato gets the iconic red biplane ready to fly.
The Thimble and Patrol II in Vineyard Haven Harbor.
The Thimble and Patrol II in Vineyard Haven Harbor.
The ferry unloads its contents of passengers.
The ferry unloads its contents of passengers.
A throng of activity around the Vineyard Haven terminal.
A throng of activity around the Vineyard Haven terminal.
The facade of The Green Room in Vineyard Haven gets gussied up.
The facade of The Green Room in Vineyard Haven gets gussied up.
A line of cars exits the ferry in Vineyard Haven.
A line of cars exits the ferry in Vineyard Haven.
The first of many tour buses at The Aquinnah Circle.
The first of many tour buses at The Aquinnah Circle.
A blooming beach plum bush means the height of spring.
A blooming beach plum bush means the height of spring.
Shops in Oak Bluffs have their wares on display.
Shops in Oak Bluffs have their wares on display.
Locals and visitors alike stream off the ferry in Vineyard Haven.
Locals and visitors alike stream off the ferry in Vineyard Haven.
Not a parking spot in sight on Circuit Avenue. (seen from the Oak Bluffs Inn Tower)
Not a parking spot in sight on Circuit Avenue. (seen from the Oak Bluffs Inn Tower)
The opening of Coop De Ville is another harbinger of the season.
The opening of Coop De Ville is another harbinger of the season.
Vessels of all kinds are prepared in Edgartown harbor.
Vessels of all kinds are prepared in Edgartown harbor.
The start of fishing season is also upon us.
The start of fishing season is also upon us.
Jake Gifford of Lazy Frog is excited for the bigger crowds.
Jake Gifford of Lazy Frog is excited for the bigger crowds.
Lady M. is looking ready for the season.
Lady M. is looking ready for the season.
Information is free at the kiosk in Oak Bluffs.
Information is free at the kiosk in Oak Bluffs.
![[l-r] Lisa Greene, Chris Greene, Todd Dodge, Jodie Suhl (visting Oak Bluffs).](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/gallery/2024/05/23/re_memorial_day_ob_visitors.jpg?itok=6bWpIZRa "[l-r] Lisa Greene, Chris Greene, Todd Dodge, Jodie Suhl (visting Oak Bluffs).")
[l-r] Lisa Greene, Chris Greene, Todd Dodge, Jodie Suhl (visting Oak Bluffs).
![[l-r] Lisa Greene, Chris Greene, Todd Dodge, Jodie Suhl (visting Oak Bluffs).]( /sites/default/files/gallery/2024/05/23/re_memorial_day_ob_visitors.jpg "[l-r] Lisa Greene, Chris Greene, Todd Dodge, Jodie Suhl (visting Oak Bluffs).")
[l-r] Lisa Greene, Chris Greene, Todd Dodge, Jodie Suhl (visting Oak Bluffs).
Fresh white paint abounds in Edgartown.
Fresh white paint abounds in Edgartown.
One last coat of paint on The Newes Pub in Edgartown.
One last coat of paint on The Newes Pub in Edgartown.
The Woods Hole coming into Vineyard Haven Harbor.
The Woods Hole coming into Vineyard Haven Harbor.
The sidewalks of Circuit Avenue seem more full each day.
The sidewalks of Circuit Avenue seem more full each day.
![[l-r] Lisa Greene, Chris Greene, Todd Dodge, Jodie Suhl (visting Oak Bluffs).](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_200x133_/public/gallery/2024/05/23/re_memorial_day_ob_visitors.jpg?itok=VtUS9rfR "[l-r] Lisa Greene, Chris Greene, Todd Dodge, Jodie Suhl (visting Oak Bluffs).")
With Memorial Day comes the unofficial start to the busy summer season. Across the Island, store owners are unboxing new merchandise and home owners are putting one last coat of paint of the fence.