The Fair poster winner for the 2026 season is Sydney Smith’s “Fair Views from the Hall.” Sydney is an ICU social worker at Tufts Medical Center in Boston and worked at Giordano’s Pizza during high school and college.
Program and Outreach Manager Lucy Grinnan interviewed Smith. When she asked Smith how she felt about her poster being chosen she said, “I’m feeling so excited and honored that my design was chosen for this year’s Fair! I look forward to the Fair every summer and to be a bigger part of this year is really meaningful to me.”
Smith shared that the first thing she does every year at the Fair is to walk through the Ag Hall to see all the artwork, food, and flowers on display. “On a sunny day the light through the windows almost makes the flowers glow, I tried to capture that a little bit. And the 4-H kids are so cool – I get a kick out of seeing them show off their connection with the animals and just have fun at the Fair, so I really wanted to include that.”
Smith says that what she loves the most about the Fair is the energy. “I love the energy of the Fair – excitement, joy, nostalgia, and community connection! It beautifully showcases the talent, hard work, creativity, and the community’s connection to the island in a way that has something for everyone at every age. I especially love seeing the incredible quilts, baked goods, artwork, flower arrangements, beautiful produce, and other handmade and homegrown creations on display. I think the beauty of Martha’s Vineyard inspires creation, and the Fair provides a really special place for people to share their creative talents.”
The Agricultural Fair opens Thursday, Aug 13 and runs through Sunday, Aug 16. Hours: Thursday–Saturday: 10 am to 11 pm; Sunday: 9:30 am – 7 pm. Admission: Adults: $5, Children (5 to 12), Seniors (62+), and Veterans: $10, Children under 4 are free. Parking is $10.
Location: Agricultural Hall, 35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury. You can buy advance memberships via the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society to get free admission before August 1st.