Updated July 13
Weekend tourists and Island residents alike came together to celebrate the first First Friday of the 2021 summer season. From the artisans at one end of Main Street to the food trucks at Owen Park, there was something for everyone.
The afternoon’s festivities began at 4 pm with the attention focused around Main Street, which was partially closed to allow ease of access and open walking space for the attendees and artisans. Restaurants and shops prepared for the masses with special deals for the occasion. The artisans had readied their stands for the large number of visitors and the unpredictable rain patterns expected to last throughout the Fourth of July weekend. Luckily, any concern for the showers was quickly washed away, as very few raindrops fell during the event, leaving a nice, cool cloud cover overhead.
Along with the events on Main Street, the Vineyard Haven Business Association also uses Owen Park for the events. Families and friends gathered at the park to get away from high foot traffic on Main Street, and to sit down and get a quick bite to eat from the food trucks at the harbor.
From when the event started until 7 pm musicians filled the evening air while attendees browsed the arts and crafts. The artists and bands included Chrysal Parrot, Ben Hughes with Josey Kirkland, Regency Brass, Jan Hulka, Charm City Exiles & Phil Spillane, David Soltz, and concluded with Regency Brass’s second set leading everyone to the park.
After the events at Main Street concluded, the focus turned to Owen Park, where more bands played in the gazebo. Those groups included the Convertibles, the Jaywalkers, Miguel and Bailey, and One Night Stand. After 9 pm, DJ Flavya hosted the Silent Disco Afterparty until 11 pm to wrap up the First Friday of the year.
Updated to correct where and when music was played.
