MV Preservation Trust picnic helps pass the torch

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Benjamin the Juggling Clown was a big hit with the kids under the not so big top. — Photo by David Welch

Clouds loomed over the Island Friday, but the threat of rain didn’t stop the fun for over 700 attendees of the Sixth Annual Generations Picnic in Edgartown. The Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust hosts the event to introduce future generations to properties of the Trust.

The lawn between the Dr. Daniel Fisher house and the Old Whaling Church was the center of activity. There were tables with a variety of activities, games and food, and lawn bowling. Chris Scott, Preservation Trust executive director, said the Generations Picnic has often been referred to as the Taste of the Vineyard (the Trust’s popular adult gala) but for children.

The theme Friday night was luau, and it lived up to the expectations with Hawaiian dancers.

The sold-out event raised about $20,000, Mr. Scott said, which will help the Trust maintain some 20 properties.

“It helps us maintain the Fisher house, the Whaling church and the Vincent house,” Mr. Scott said. “And also properties like Alley’s General Store in West Tisbury, the Flying Horses Carousel, and Grange Hall.”

Mr. Scott said the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust has acquired properties since the Trust was founded in 1975.

“Typically, these are large landmarks that have always been in public use and they, the original owners, have reached a point of difficulty maintaining them, and we take them over and undertake all the repairs and maintenance, even getting the building up to code if need be,” Mr. Scott said. “But, the big thing is we open them and maintain them for public use. The Fly Horses Carousel is the oldest carousel in the country. It’s not a museum, it’s an active carousel.”

Mr. Scott said he was particularly pleased with the mix of year-round Island families and summer families.

“We rely on everyone to help,” Mr. Scott said. “The event is certainly doing what it is intended to do.”

For more information, call 508-627-4440.