<p>The 159th Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair will be canceled this summer, the society announced on its Facebook page.
The 159th Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair will be canceled this summer, the society announced Thursday morning.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of this years Agricultural Fair,” the society said in a post on its Facebook page.
An attached press release said the trustees had made “the difficult, but necessary decision to cancel the 2020 fair,” at a meeting Wednesday night.
“We understand the fair is near and dear to so many of you and we want you to know this decision was not made lightly. In these difficult times we must move forward with an abundance of caution and ensure we are doing what is best for the health and safety of our volunteers, our staff, and our Island community,” the release also said.
One of the cornerstones of summer traditions on the Vineyard, the fair is held for four days every August on the society’s fairgrounds in West Tisbury. Animal judging, horse and oxen pulls, oyster shucking and fiddling contests are all highlights at the annual celebration of Island agriculture, small farming and conservation.
But due to the pandemic, this year the focus shifts, the society said in its press release.
“We will be taking this time to refocus all our resources on supporting local food producers and distributors,” the release said.
“We are already engaged in discussions with farmers, fishermen, and food distribution organizations to see how we can help get more food on the tables of our friends and neighbors. In times like these it is imperative that we do what Islanders do: come together, support one another, and ensure we all make it through this together.”
Comments
I think that the Ag Society
Mr. B ChilmarkI think that the Ag Society should have tickets printed up for the 159th and put on sale on their website this summer. After all, they didn't cancel the 159th--they just changed its date! Getting some of the money this year might be a considerable financial benefit for the Society; and, who knows? Some folks might just buy them twice: Once in 2020 and again in 2021!
A great way to donate to the
Mike WTA great way to donate to the Ag Society, Great idea. I am concerned that this may have been cancelled in an abundance of caution too early though. It sends that same message that we have been reading for weeks, The Islanders hate the second home owners. Many of which have saved decades to be able to retire and live in a nice place. It appears the Islands governance have started ensuring the allure of the Island is being dampened. No one knows how this will play out yet. What's next?? We cant come to our Island homes? I have been coming to the island for 67 years, and am ashamed of the attitude of so many of whom I thought were nice people. All I can say is this: Good luck, you reap what you sow.
Oh dear, I'm sorry you read
Juleann West TisburyOh dear, I'm sorry you read into the Ag Fair cancellation an assertion that could not possibly have entered into their decision. I know there has been a lot of hurtful and misunderstood chatter the last several weeks, but Island residents do not hate second home owners, and the Ag Society certainly doesn't. Many of these large events require complicated advanced scheduling and it is only pragmatic and responsible to cancel the Fair based on what we understand will be a gradual re-opening of business. Even by the time we get to Phase 3 of the Federal plan the Fair would not meet the guidelines as they are stated. The chance that we will sail through each 2-week phase without any hitches is pretty slim. At the very least, we should expect set-backs. Of course, you should come to your Island home, but please come with some understanding and willingness to forgive.
This is very sad indeed. I
Carol EdgartownThis is very sad indeed. I realize it takes time to prepare for the fair but even a scaled down fair would be better than no fair this year. With four months until what would have been the fair, this seems more like an emotional reaction, a warning shot saying "don't plan to come here" than a plan based based on facts.
Before we get into theorizing
Bruce West TisburyBefore we get into theorizing about ulterior motives let's admit we don't know all the facts. For one thing, I would imagine that under normal circumstances the Ag Society would, in the very near future, likely be looking at making a contractual commitment to the company that provides the rides, amusements, and concessions for the fair. To enter into that type of agreement in this time of uncertainty would not seem to be fiscally prudent, and could prove disastrous for the future of the Society. So let's just call it erring on the side of caution.
There is nothing in the
Unfortunate Reality EdgartownThere is nothing in the release that says anything about "don't come here". The fair is completely funded by the Agricultural Society, a non profit organization. There is no Town or County funding for it. There are hard fixed costs in events like these that are necessary no matter what. Then you look at the added costs of keeping everyone safe. A scaled down version of the fair likely means not just a loss of income, but having it potentially cost money to put on. No non profit can survive that.
Great Move. Thanks for being
Steve Ewing EdgartownGreat Move. Thanks for being so proactive. Love the last paragraph of the article.
I second all three of Steve’s
Mary T South Boston & Oak BluffsI second all three of Steve’s comments. I am hopeful that I will be able to get to my summer place soon. When I do, I will volunteer to help with food sourcing & distribution rather than working at the fair. I encourage all of the “fair workers/ volunteers” to join me! Tks.
Stay safe & be well,
Agreed. Thank you for making
Julie Leonard Iowa City/AquinnahAgreed. Thank you for making a hard and heartbreaking decision. It would be naive to think an event with that many people crowded into the same place is a good idea a mere few months away. And to already be thinking about ways to support the community that will be/is hard hit by this virus also sounds thoughtful. This, from an outside perspective, not knowing the ins and outs, but having to have made myself and watching other small organization make similar decisions. Stay strong!
The safe choice is the best
Laurie McCarthy Oak BluffsThe safe choice is the best one. So much to love about summer here, the fair included, but untold advance planning is required and decisions have to be made.
Does it have to be about the
Carol EdgartownDoes it have to be about the money? Could it be a celebration of agricultural history? perhaps truly an AG event? Skip the rides and the junk food and have livestock, judging of kids projects, games and local food vendors. Teach farming. Sample local food. Yes, include off Islanders. Show them how we can do this and be safe. Have a "coolest homemade mask" competition. Give people a reason to hope. If the response to everything is to CANCEL as opposed to reset goals and expectations, we are doomed.
No, Carol. We're not doomed.
T Bone Oak BluffsNo, Carol. We're not doomed. Most of us will keep going forward.
Often the smart decisions are
Ann Heron & Tom Prendergast Sarasota, FL, formerly EdgartownOften the smart decisions are the toughest & least popular. I didn't read anything about plough under or don't plant your crops, don't work with your animals, stop quilting, stop painting, all crafts & hobbies should cease... No, considering the logistics for 159th/ 2020 Fair I don't see any other responsible choice for all the residents (seasonal & year-round) visitors, vendors & volunteers. We should thank the "Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society" for allowing all of us to have ample notice.
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