The end of October is here, and events are still rolling in, even after the Island’s biggest event just culminated — the M.V. Derby. Congrats to David Gerhardt, who claimed the Boat Bluefish Grand Leader title with his 21.01-pound bluefish, and took home the winning Jeep after his key opened the lock. A round of applause to the Derby committee for all their hard work and time put into this annual tradition, and we can’t wait for next season!
Now, for upcoming events. This first one is an all-Island event to get you in the harvest spirit, the sixth annual Harvest Festival, hosted by the M.V. Agricultural Society and funded in part by a grant from the Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council. It takes place on Oct. 24, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Ag Hall; you’ll find everything from a pie-eating competition to sustainability demonstrations, so plan on staying for the entirety of the event — I know I will be.
Both Diane Carr and Sydney Mullen mentioned that they had gone on the haunted historic Edgartown walking tour with Seamus Rattigan, and they enjoyed it. I’m hoping to experience this tour myself soon, and you can too. Check out his website at hauntededgartown.com for full details; tours are 90 minutes long and cost $30.
On Oct. 23 from 7 to 9 pm at the Old Whaling Church, the “Fire & Song” fundraiser concert will be taking place. It’s a benefit concert supporting the Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition, featuring pianist Joel A. Martin and vocalist Theresa Thomason in an evening of music and reflection. Tickets and more details can be found online at mvdiversitycoalition.org.
To get into the spirit of Halloween, there will be a “Witching Hour” costumed paddle parade on Oct. 25 for kayaks, SUPs, and canoes, complete with hot chocolate and a suggested donation supporting the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group. Meet at 8:45 am at Collin’s Beach (beside the Reading Room), and you’ll be paddling toward the Edgartown Lighthouse. Need equipment? Text Chick at Island Spirit Kayak at 774-563-1805.
To continue with the witchy theme on Oct. 28, Juniper by Donaroma’s is hosting a floral witchy broom workshop, where participants will get to create a decorative floral broom using dried grasses, branches, berries, and other seasonal textures in a workshop with a spooky, witchy atmosphere. Price is $125 per person, and you can sign up by calling or emailing Amy Coffey at amy@donaromas.com or 508-627-3036, ext. 1.
As a reminder, trivia at Indigo, led by Brews Brothers Taproom Trivia, is now starting at 6:30 pm every Thursday, so join in on the fun. Leaving my cozy home after the sun sets is truly a feat, but we all have to be strong and not let the doldrums of winter, which technically haven’t even started yet, get to us.
Don’t forget, Edgartown’s Happy Haunting happens on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 10 am to 1 pm. Brought to you by the Edgartown Board of Trade and Edgartown’s small business community, join our community for continued Halloween fun, while little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treat from business to business. Rumor has it the Edgartown Police Department has full-size candy bars! I’m still figuring out my costume, but I’ll see you downtown for this fun time, one not to be missed. Happy Halloween weekend, Edgartown!
