We made it through the long, humid heat wave, and got some rain to celebrate over the weekend too! I’ve been putting off officially declaring it summertime, but it is time to concede: We are definitely in the throes of it now. We’ve passed the early benchmarks of Memorial Day weekend, the start of summer art and farmer’s markets, and the Taste and the Best of the Vineyard events. We’ve also flown by traditional benchmarks like the summer solstice, the end of the school year, and finally: Fourth of July weekend and the Tisbury Street Fair.
To all you crazy folks who went running last Saturday morning for Mike’s Run the Chop races in Vineyard Haven: Congratu-freakin-lations! There were two races this year: the traditional 5.25-mile loop around West Chop, a.k,a. the “Fireworks” race, and a new, shorter, 3.3-mile loop termed the “Sparklers.” I woke up to cheers outside my window as spectators celebrated the 700-plus brave runners that morning. Special shout-out to Vineyard Haven’s own Jonathan Norton and Zachary Utz, who took first and third place in the “Fireworks” race.
Have you walked down Main Street recently? The town’s department of public works has been hard at work beautifying our entrance to Martha’s Vineyard with new lampposts, colorful banners, and more flowers than ever! And while on the topic of Main Street: The window at 58 Main St. has been fixed! No more wooden boards and metal barricades, and Blue Fathom Gallery has reopened in Island Music’s location.
Last week marked the grand opening of Yommi MV and Morning Dew Juice in their new retail location at 395 State Road. Stop in 11 am to 5 pm to support two local businesses in their new home next to Cronigs’ Market.
There is a new show at the Workshop Gallery by my friend, Tisbury resident and artist Saundra LaBell, showing off her paintings, drawings, and fiber creations. The opening reception is coming up Friday, July 10, from 4 to 6 pm.
Also on Friday at 5:30 pm, the Vineyard Haven library is hosting a magic show at the Katharine Cornell Theater.
On Saturday, don’t miss the weekly Fabulists performances at the Tisbury Amphitheater (every Saturday morning starting at 10 am through August 29). I remember going to these ages ago when I was a little nugget myself, and can agree: With a rotating lineup of original plays featuring audience participation, improvisation, and imagination, you never know exactly what to expect. (Suggested donation is $10 for adults, $5 for kids.)
I’d like to wish a very happy birthday to Laurel Redington on July 15! You may know her from MVY Radio or, more recently, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. Which, speaking of, did you know the museum hosts a “Friday Game Time at the Museum” every Friday from 1 to 4 pm in their First Light Café? Enjoy a free, relaxing afternoon of board games and card games while overlooking the harbor.
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.
