Town Column : Aquinnah
By Molly Purves
Published: August 20, 2009
Yes, it's that week that we wait for all year - the week of the fair and the fireworks. Fried dough, tempura, strawberry shortcake, rides, animals, skillet tossing, large vegetables, and new this year, a community tent of nonprofit organizations in front of the pulling ring. Also on Friday night, you can purchase a $20 wristband good for all the rides you can handle from 6 to 10 pm. Sizzler, here I come.
Usually, once this week is over it seems like it's all downhill from here and the summer is over. This year however, we have a visit from our President the week after the fair, so I'm betting that's going to be the high point of the summer for many people. As the Obamas will be staying up-Island, it will be interesting to see if they come up to Aquinnah. Will they accept Richard and Joanie's invitation to tour the lighthouse? If they do, will the cliffs be closed to the public or will there be a huge traffic jam as people flood the cliffs hoping to see the first couple? Will they sit and chat with Anne over pie and coffee? Perhaps they will charter a fishing boat from Wendy or Buddy. Will the secret service let Buddy run between the rocks of Devil's Bridge and shoot the inside channel of dogfish bar? Maybe they'll stop by Juli's pizza night although with all the secret service cars they better show up early to get parking. Will we have cell phone service up Island? It's all very exciting.
With so much happening down-Island this week there are not many up-Island activities scheduled, but you can always stop by the cliffs to eat and chat, and on the weekends you can catch the sunset from the lighthouse. You have until Saturday to see Gladys Widdis's pottery exhibit at the Aquinnah Cultural Center. On Wednesday, August 26, from 1 to 3 pm at the cultural center is a cornhusk figurines class; the fee is $10. I think this would be an excellent activity for Sasha and Malia Obama.
Lisa Vanderhoop's 2010 Seadogs calendar is out. You can pick one up at Cronig's and other spots around the Island.
Keep your eye out for Minnesingers fundraisers throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall. Directed by Jan Wightman, this year they hope to tour Italy, so they will be fundraising at Cronig's and Alley's, and on Saturday, August 29, they will hold a yard sale at the regional high school.
Mallory and Len Butler celebrated together (they share the same birthday) on Friday, August 14, at the Beach Plum Inn with their daughter, Nina.
Summer's going out with a bang this year. Send along your presidential predictions and sightings, and let me know of your comings and goings as well. See you at the tempura booth.
