Last Saturday, if you were anywhere near Tisbury Harbor a little before 7 pm, you may have heard a cannon blast out across the harbor! That was the historic Shenandoah celebrating the end of its very last sail after 63 years of service. This weekend-long retirement party brought people all across the Island together, sharing their memories of the Shenandoah over the years. I’m very proud to say: Since my family washed ashore before my fifth grade, I was able to sail on this vessel way back in 2002 with my own Edgartown fifth grade class. And while I mostly remember swimming with jellyfish, learning to tie a monkey’s-fist knot, and playing so many games of cards, it does make me feel just a little more connected with our Island’s maritime history.
Continuing the transition from summer to whatever you call this time of year: It is so much fun playing tourist on Martha’s Vineyard! My weekend itinerary started with dinner outside at Noman’s (where it seemed every single person was celebrating a birthday or anniversary of some kind), and the Habitat for Humanity art show at the Grange Hall, organized by Galaxy Gallery in Oak Bluffs.
This being the first Saturday since the Chilmark Flea Market ended, of course I had to visit the West Tisbury Farmers Market at the Ag Hall on Saturday morning. (Did you know that the Farmer’s Market continues through all of October, with the last one taking place on Halloween day?)
Then I was requested by some vendor friends to come visit them at last Saturday’s Tivoli Day in Oak Bluffs. Where us Tisburians have the Tisbury Street Fair, Oak Bluffs has Tivoli Day. From an attendee’s perspective, congratulations to those who make this event happen each year. From the live music to local vendors, cute puppies, and incredible-smelling food all down Circuit Ave., It was a complete blast, and an extra-special shout-out to the weather for staying sunny and warm at a time of year when we’re not always so lucky. This event reminds us that it’s possible to close off a main street downtown and imagine for a moment what life might be like with just a few less cars on our little Island.
I am always so impressed with the constant resources provided by all of our local libraries on Martha’s Vineyard. If you have wondered how to get more involved in our local library, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library is holding its quarterly meeting this Saturday, Sept. 26 at 10:15 am on Zoom. This month is the annual meeting for the election of officers, so meet other Friends and learn how you can help volunteer yourself this Saturday.
Biggest bunches of birthday balloons to Kathy Ivory on Sept. 27. Do you have an upcoming birthday, event, or just 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.
