The official start to summer is here, Memorial Day, which generally takes us three full days to celebrate, culminating in the actual day, Monday, May 28. Revelry usually means a party, if not a family BBQ. Don’t be caught short. Instead, prepare now to arrange a perfect Memorial Day setting.
First and foremost, as this American holiday began in 1868 as a remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service, remember to maintain this honor by flying an American flag. You may find flags in numerous places across the Island, from hardware to grocery stores and party stores to boating stores, along with many places in between. Eden Garden Center on Upper State Road in Vineyard Haven is offering American Flags in multiple sizes, with 25 percent off for veterans.
Should you be hosting a barbecue, you might need some necessities. If it is time to upgrade your grill, a visit to Shirley’s Hardware or Hinckley & Sons Ace Hardware, both in Vineyard Haven, could fill your need. Shirley’s has numerous Weber grills available, along with accessories, to ensure you will be grilling for many years to come. While there you can also select various decorations, paper products, and even easy outdoor lighting, including citronella candles. Hinckley’s, on the other hand, carries gas grills and charcoal grills by such brands as Grill Zone and Weber. If you fancy a grill that is not currently available on site, they will help you order exactly what you want and have it delivered to their store for free. They even have a service in which they will put your grill together and deliver it to your home: just ask them directly for more details.
If you need more seating to accommodate a large group or just need to replace your outdoor furniture, Vineyard Hearth, Patio & Spa on State Road in Vineyard Haven can help. They have furniture in all mediums, from aluminum to teak and wicker to wrought iron. Outdoor lighting is from Golden Eagle Coppersmiths, and Alfresco Homes is the maker of their Tiki Bars along with their bistro sets. Relax with a hammock or stay in the shade with one of their Galtech umbrellas. They also have a very large selection of grills, from built-ins to free standing. For a splurge in watching the bright stars in the sky this summer, a hot tub from their spa collection could provide the most relaxing seat in your backyard.
It is one thing to have a wonderful setting with great food, but if people are going to be around for a while, it might behoove you to find some lawn games to play with your guests. Enter The Lazy Frog on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs. They have traditional games, some with a new twist to contemporary games. Currently the most popular game is CornHole by Baggo, in which you toss beanbags at a wooden game boards in the hope of landing in the pocket. Also check out The Toy Box in Vineyard Haven or Granite in Edgartown.
Another bright spot this coming weekend is the return of the Vineyard Artisans Festival, which kicks off this Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm, at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury.
Sales:
It wouldn’t be a Memorial Day weekend without partaking in some amazing deals at local stores. This year is no exception. Vineyard Decorators, at the Airport in West Tisbury, will host its annual Weekend Tent Sale, where you will find unheard of discounts of up to 75-percent off selected merchandise ranging from furniture to home accessories, along with 10 percent off storewide and 10 percent off Serta Mattresses. The Tent sale is Friday through Monday, from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
