The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury hosts its annual berry festival on Saturday, July 19 from noon to 4 p.m.

Berry shortcakes, smoothies, parfaits, pies and raffle tickets are for sale, with all proceeds supporting the ministries of the church.

Libby Fielder, a longtime volunteer at the church and berry festival, warns pie lovers to, “come early.”

“Up to a thousand come each year,” she said. “There is one woman who comes every year and throws herself a birthday party. She buys all of her friends raffle tickets."

According to Ms. Fielder, the Island does not have enough berries to supply the event, so they source from New Jersey. But the event isn’t only about berries — it is also about community.

The ministries of the church run various programs around Martha’s Vineyard, including short-term emergency relief funds for people who can’t pay their rent or heating bill.

“Our biggest ministry is the community suppers program, which is for about four months out of the winter,” Ms. Fielde said. “We provide dinner once a week and every church takes a different night. We have almost 150 meals to-go. Throughout the rest of the year we are always cooking. If we hear someone is in trouble and needs food, we can provide that for them all year long.”

This will be the second year that the festival is collaborating with Island Eats, which will provide stainless steel bowls and cups to reduce landfill waste.

The event is geared towards both children and adults.

Ms. Fielder noted that her favorite moment of the festival is opening up the doors.

“They line up in this big long line, and there is this surge for the doors. Everybody is so happy and in such a good mood when they come through the line,” she said.

The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury is located at 1051 State Road in West Tisbury.