Tisbury: The Islander Ferry Lives on at the Fair

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Despite the seasonal weather, the fair opened to a delighted crowd, anxious to see everything and to do it all. As you arrived at the Hall, you couldn’t help marveling at the floral entries. McIntosh Motors displayed a toy green Pontiac GTO driving along a flower-strewn road that crossed an old 78 record. I think it was labeled Ronny and the DayTonas. It was next to a huge single-bloom dahlia that I’d describe as a vivid yellow and red flame blossom put in by George Shattock III.

Barney Zeitz entered a large sculpture of an owl with wings widespread and claws extended, sort of a mouse-eye-view. Seniel Hannagan used intarsia crochet, thin yarn, and a small needle to produce a huge “Jaws” poster from a pattern she designed.

Many gathered to see a display of VanRyper ship models from the Island’s past. The Steamship Authority display of a large and detailed model of the Islander, our favorite ferry, had some sticky fingerprints on the glass case. Young and old peered intently from every angle to study the details. I saw no attribution for this beautiful model. Was this crafted by Tom Hale?

I love the junior vegetables, and as usual, there were some delightful creatures formed by small hands into monsters, comic figures, and even a lobster with green olive eyes that was created by Ella Blodgett, age 9. The toddlers at Community Services made small people from pieces of cauliflower and sweet potato; these were placed inside a garden fence. In youth handcrafts, Willa Kantrowitz, 8, entered a neat green turtle with red eyes.

Pictures by talented photographers presented many Island scenes. John Zarba caught the vision and the spirit of the fair at night. I was taken with young Sabine Geard’s glorious sunset and Kendall Robinson’s dramatic skies.

Elizabeth Luce painted contemplative sheep in a quiet green meadow, while nearby a colorful rooster in shiny oils stood primed to crow. The rooster was done by William J. Carter. Young artists drew and colored or painted some very good pictures. Many deserved ribbons, and these are but a few I enjoyed. Juliet Morse, age 10, showed a hot air balloon, while Emily Weyt, 12, showed a noisy rooster unnoticed by the nearby dozing hen. A lovely cottage was drawn by Libby Flathers, also 12.

A fine collection of seashells was put together by 8-year-old Mattie Wolverton, and Penelope Long, 10, created shell ladies holding parasols made of shells. Julia Sayre, 10, used shells and small stones to create a geological picture of our Island.

Over our heads in the hall were hung beautiful quilts. Many were variations of familiar patterns. Holly Wagman had a lovely scene of waterlilies. There were Japanese lanterns by Mary King, and bold geometric shapes by Sara Kurth. I loved Wendy Neirenberg’s colorful butterflies. Laura Beebe made a special birthday quilt for her husband Ken, filled with his favorite things, from chocolates and math schematics to shellfish and even more fish. I liked her smaller quilt with nine seaside scenes. I think my favorite quilt was by Jill Lugis, showing rows of brightly colored stained glass windows.

Congratulations to Joyce Rickson and Doris Clark. They won ribbons in the Skillet Toss.

Windemere residents came to the fair to enjoy fresh lemonade and strawberry shortcake as well as the music and general excitement. All enjoyed the slight breezes on the porch while watching the children dash here and there, with almost too many choices. Pigs racing for Oreos are still popular. Some kids chose ice cream or a magic trick instead of a ride. One boy said prices were high and that it was too hot to ride. Really? Children are so sophisticated these days.

See “Wild & Precious” at 7:30 pm at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center on Monday. This is a live performance, celebrating “50 Years of Social Change: Gay Liberation.” Cherish the little boy playing with dolls; identify with the adolescent challenges of discovering his sexuality; and witness firsthand the gay experience of the past 60 years. Dr. Steve Cadwell is a Boston psychotherapist who brings themes of gender, sexuality, and shame to the stage through poetry, story, costume, song, photos, and dance.

Closing up your summer home? Donate your gently used and unwanted jewelry to benefit Island artifacts and archives. Drop your baubles off anytime at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum for the Jewelry Jingle sale during Christmas in Edgartown.

Savor your pizza, of course, size large or small, at Flatbread on Tuesday from noon to 9 pm. Celebrate September! A percentage that day will help offset the cost of the West Tisbury Church community suppers in the winter.

Enjoy sunset over the Lagoon at 6 pm on Friday, a week from tomorrow, at the home of Jim and Pam Butterick, 359 Barnes Road. The evening of music will benefit the Federated Church Organ Fund and Hospice of MV, our Island Hospice at the Tisbury Marketplace. Donations of any amount gratefully accepted. Checks may be made out to either or both. See your friends and summer friends before they leave. RSVP to 508-693-6871.

Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go out on Monday to Jessica Dolliver. Happy birthday to Edwin Gould-Hart on Wednesday.

Heard on Main Street: A sign found up Island warns, Beware of the dog. I’d watch the cat too.