And just like that, June becomes July. Markets are up and running all across the Island, with events big and small almost every day from now on. Summer reminder to all the busy residents out there: Get those feet in the water as much as you can! Sometimes when you live here year-round, it’s easy to forget just how cool it is being able to walk down to our harbor and listen to the waves roll in, watch a ferry boat float in, or an osprey swoop down right in front of you to snag its dinner.
Now this week is a BIG one if you’re a Tisbury fan. Starting with First Friday V.H. on July 3, this all-day art-themed takeover of Vineyard Haven Harbor returns for its second month this season. Enjoy our Daytime Market on Beach Street Extension, 10 am to 2 pm, followed by live music and demonstrations from 2 to 5 pm along Main Street, before the evening festivities in Owen Park kick off at 5 pm. Full details, music lineup, food and artist vendors, and more at firstfridayvh.com.
Business participation in these events is growing each month! From extended hours, special deals, a Sip n’ Shop at Coastal Supply, Putt for Prizes at Vineyard Wealth Group, and even an artist reception featuring Christie Scheele at the Louisa Gould Gallery (5 to 7pm). Our First Friday V.H. summer dates are also lucky enough to overlap with the famous Grace Church Lobster Rolls (3 to 6 pm) that you can even preorder and bring to the beach!
The following morning brings the 25th annual Run the Chop event on July Fourth. This year it’s renamed “Mike’s Run the Chop Challenge” in honor of Murdick’s Fudge general manager and Run the Chop organizer Mike McCourt. Good luck to all runners, families of runners, and those volunteering their time to make this special event happen!
Also on July Fourth in Tisbury is the Ringing of Freedom Bells. Two hundred and fifty years ago, the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall tolled at 2 pm to mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Then in 1963, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed the ringing of the bells as a nationwide tradition. In continuing with this custom, Bob Tankard, MVCS veterans advocate, and Tom Bennett, MVCS director of veterans services, will gather in front of the Beach House on Main Street to say some words before bells will ring out all over town at 2 pm sharp.
Absolutely not to be missed this Wednesday is our town of Tisbury’s annual birthday party: a.k.a. the Tisbury Street Fair, on July 8, starting at 6:30 pm. Shout-out to new organizer Heather Wolfenden for taking over the reins, and also the whole team at Mardell’s, who have been making these events happen for so many years up until now! This year’s proceeds will benefit the Tisbury Police Relief Association, and note: All parking along Main Street and any other ways dedicated to the fair will be closed at 5 pm.
Do you have an upcoming birthday or something you want shared in a future Tisbury column? Email me at tisburycolumnist@gmail.com with your own stories of our town or upcoming events you’d like to see spotlighted here.