There’s a nice nip in the air, though the skies have consistently been that crisp, cloudless fall blue. I’m starting to see pumpkins and mums make their way to front stoops, and the kids have already begun discussing their Halloween costumes.
On many kids’ minds this past weekend, though, was catching the Big One, as they gathered on the dock in Oak Bluffs for the annual Kids’ Derby Day event. I spied the DeRoche girls, the Townes girls, and a couple of Murrays — all smiles, reeling ’em in. Camden Townes now holds the distinction of catching the first ever pufferfish at the kids’ derby. Watch out, weigh-in — the next generation of anglers is getting its practice in.
Nick Prescott has requested that I share with you all an issue quite dear to his heart. Awareness is key, so without further ado, he would like everyone to know, pancakes are back on the menu at Dock Street Coffee Shop. The timing couldn’t be better, as those early-morning diners fresh from the weigh-in seek sustenance. I maintain that it is totally OK that Dock Street pancakes are unavailable for those few months in the summer, as we are provided an abundance of charitable pancake-consumption opportunities, but I’m happy to see those delicious golden disks back all the same.
I had a sit-down with K9 buddy Zoe Walpole the other day, who would hardly lift her head to eat a treat she missed her momma so much. Having wrapped another successful and busy summer season at Katydid, Kate has been taking several much-deserved hops to other islands, Manhattan and Nantucket among them. This weekend, Kate will head to Vermont for some apple picking with Mom and Dad. Hopefully Zoe will be invited along.
Felix Neck welcomes one and all to a free event on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 am to 3 pm to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Fern and Feather Day Camp.
The family-friendly celebration will focus on fun, food, music, and memories. Since 1964, the day camp has been teaching children about the wonders of the natural world, and lots of alums, former staff, and folks that just love Felix Neck are expected to attend and share stories. For more information, visit massaudubon.org/felixneck, or call the sanctuary at 508-627-4850 or email at felixneck@massaudubon.org.
ACE MV offers a Course Sampling Fair, Wednesday, Oct. 1, at MVRHS from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Head up and meet the teachers, register for classes (36 different classes being offered), and sample delicious food prepared by the cooking instructors. Reminder: There is a late fee if you sign up on the day of the course, so register now. For more info, call Diane Abbot at 508-693-9222. What do you want to learn?
If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet for the Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival, now’s the time. The festival takes place Oct. 16 to 19, offering a variety of events. Now in its seventh year, the festival, hosted by the Edgartown Board of Trade, has quickly grown into a world-class wine and culinary extravaganza, and has become a signature for the town of Edgartown. Praised as one of the “2013 Top 10 Festivals to Taste” by Forbes Travel Guide, it features wine-tasting seminars, premium wines, cooking demonstrations by nationally recognized award-winning chefs and wine personalities, culinary dinners, and the Grand Tasting. MVFWF is uniquely educational in focus, showcasing the Vineyard’s culinary talent. The festival begins with “Fresh Off the Farm,” a dine-around event featuring everything Martha’s Vineyard on Thursday, Oct. 16. Saturday’s Grand Tasting features wines, celebrity chefs, and cooking demos paired with wines. The festival culminates on Sunday at the culinary Grand Sunday Brunch held at the Harbor View Hotel. This year, the MVFWF supports Island Grown Schools and Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society’s Farmers Program. Visit mvfoodandwine.com for a full schedule of events and ticket information.
Birthday wishes go out this week to James Condlin, who celebrates Sept. 25; Walter Morrison, Sept. 26; Nate Briggs and Kathy Ivory, Sept. 27; David Martinello, Oct. 1. Have fun!