Friday, August 7, is National Lighthouse Day, and we are celebrating the 170th anniversary of the Gay Head Lighthouse. Drop on by to pick up a T shirt with a rendering of the historic light prepared by Rodeo Langer-Purvis and Adelaide DeForest, and made possible thanks to Beverly Wright and Robert MacDiarmid. The lighthouse is open daily from 10 until 4 pm, with sunset viewing every Wednesday and Thursday evening. Admission is $6 for those 13 and older, and complimentary for those 12 and younger, as well as veterans and active-duty military members, and Aquinnah residents. It is a magic place, and worthy of a special visit. While there, show gratitude and respect for all those who have tended and loved the Gay Head Light for all these years.
Some of the best days of summer are just ahead. The Ag Fair begins earlier than usual this year, this time on Thursday, August 13. This means that if you want to make an entry, the time is now. Entry documents for items to be seen in the Hall need to be submitted by Thursday, August 6, at 7 pm. Entry documents for barn entries are due by Sunday, August 9, at 5 pm. Paperwork can be submitted online or left in the box on the porch of the Ag Hall. So get your most beautiful vegetables and fruits and cakes and pies selected, get your courage together to submit your artwork, and look at your farmyard and identify what and who you will enter, and get ready to wash and brush up those who need it so they look their best. Full details and entry forms can be found by going to the Ag Society website, marthasvineyardagriculturalsocety.org. The fair will run through Sunday, August 16. The Hall will be open in the afternoons, closing at 10 pm, and the carnival will open at 11 am every day. The entry fee is $15 for adults, $10 for kids, seniors, and veterans, with children ages 4 and under and Ag Society members admitted free.
The Outermost Inn is serving breakfast sandwiches and homemade doughnuts every Sunday in August from 9 until 11 am. It’s laid-back, family-friendly, and delicious. Check it out. They are also doing movie nights August 10, 17, and 24. Tickets for the outdoor movies are available on Eventbrite, with the movies TBD. You can go to the Outermost Inn website and see a short video of what the movie nights are like. They’re pretty special.
There are two birthdays to celebrate this week: On August 7, we cheer for David Elliott Vanderhoop, and on August 8, we honor Evan Hall.
Let me know your news, as well as any special days that you would like to have mentioned here. I’d also like to hear your thoughts about this place we call home, as I am working on an essay about the whole concept of home, and the nature of belonging. Meanwhile, enjoy the magnificence.
