As with every Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair over the decades, the 154th fair offers a captivating mix of traditional favorites mixed with new features. Come for the Horse Pull, Dog Show, and Pet Show, the Animal Barn and Hall exhibits. Spin on a carnival ride; toss a skillet or cheer on the woodsmen while the kids compete at shucking corn and racing zucchini cars. Listen to local bands, relax at a picnic table, and have your fill of burgers, ribs, and fries, strawberry shortcake, smoothies, and cotton candy. Then check out some of these new attractions, competitions, and taste treats.
Topping the announcement list: Dogs will no longer be allowed to stroll the fairgrounds every day with their owners. Canine pals may attend only on Sunday, if registered to compete in the Dog Show. Ag Fair organizers made the decision after one too many dog-on-dog tussles.
Some may shed a tear to hear the exotic lemurs will not appear, but the return of Robinson’s Racing Pigs is sure to bring a smile. The perky little porkers with funny names will gallop through their little racecourse in pursuit of praise and their favorite Oreo cookies. We predict packed bleachers and an overflow crowd.
For all who love dogs and adventurous action, the new Canine Stars attraction is sure to be a hit. Performances highlight these super-agile canines in breathtaking gymnastics, stunts, and tricks. Find them in the Show Ring Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Buddy the Clown has gone on his merry way, but fair organizers welcome Lucky Bob, a friendly and versatile fellow with plenty of fun antics up his sleeve. Watch for him strolling the grounds on Thursday and Friday, entertaining young and old.
Look for interesting changes at the local midway. Many booths remain the same. Hungry fairgoers can still feast on those traditional favorites. Tasty additions include Pie Chicks, where talented baker Chrissy Kinsman and crew will serve slices of homemade pie with ice cream or whipped cream. Whole pies will be sold too. Healthy alternatives are always few at the fair. But this year Blissed Out will be offering freshly bottled juices and smoothies, as well as salads, wraps, and more.
Caricature artist Edor Kacerja will create a fanciful portrait of you, your family, and friends having fun at the fair. His drawings will capture the spirit of the fair, and provide happy memories for years to come.
Also new is Martha’s Vineyard Youth Soccer, with a fun array of soccer and fair-related items.
Along with familiar local bands and kids’ specials, the stage entertainment line up features Psychles on Thursday and The Catbirds Jazz Trio Sunday. Saturday afternoon, the Rise VPA dancers perform on the lawn.
The Tiny House exhibit, sponsored by the Island Housing Trust, is fascinating to visit, and will provide inspiration for those who wish to downsize, make better use of space, or create an affordable shelter. The miniature house belongs to Kathy Rose, who intends to make it her home. Island Coalition of Tiny Houses reps say such small-scale homes may help solve the Island’s affordable housing problems.
Fred Fisher III is not new at the fair, but his Nip ’n’ Tuck Farm piglets, predicted to arrive during the event, are. Mr. Fisher and every generation of his family have been involved in countless aspects of the fair for decades. Find him at the Draft Horse Pull, behind the scenes in the barn, competing expertly at the Local Draft Horse Show, or waiting for baby pigs to arrive. Story has it Mr. Fisher plans his animals’ giving birth to coincide with fairtime.
You’ve heard the “vroom, vroom, vroom” of antique tractors out beyond the barns as they compete to pull the heaviest load. Now youngsters are invited to join in the fun. A new Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull Thursday afternoon invites youngsters ages 4 through 10 to race in pintsize vehicles. Shiny new pedal tractors will be supplied for kids who sign up to compete. Good luck to all!
Expert fiber artists will have an opportunity to showcase their skills at the first-ever Fleece to Shawl competition at the Fiber Tent on Saturday. Competing teams will start with a raw fleece and must process it into yarn, then weave a finished shawl, all within four hours.
Don’t agree with the judges? This year fairgoers can vote for a daily People’s Choice Award. Each day’s top vote getter will receive a special ribbon.
Attention, amateur photographers: The Massachusetts Agricultural Fair Association (MAFA) has launched a competition for prizewinning photos from all 17 Massachusetts fairs. A blue-ribbon, nonprofessional photograph from each fair will be entered. Judging will take place at the MAFA winter convention. The image must have an agricultural or fair theme, but need not be taken on the Vineyard. The statewide winner will receive a prize ribbon, and the photo will be used for advertising by the association.