Fair Posters Through the Years
Paul Karasik designed 2016 fair poster.
Paul Karasik designed 2016 fair poster.
Bob and Wini Blacklow started collecting fair posters in 1973; this year's fair poster will make for 44 in all.
Bob and Wini Blacklow started collecting fair posters in 1973; this year's fair poster will make for 44 in all.
Black and white holstein starred in 2011 poster, created by Jivonne Alley.
Black and white holstein starred in 2011 poster, created by Jivonne Alley.
Many thought Terry Crimmen's 2013 poster depicted well-known Berkshire boar Thunder Ben David, but it is really a British saddleback.
Many thought Terry Crimmen's 2013 poster depicted well-known Berkshire boar Thunder Ben David, but it is really a British saddleback.
In early days the event used generic posters; in 1986 the Island-wide contest began.
In early days the event used generic posters; in 1986 the Island-wide contest began.
For 2014 poster Omar Rayyan depicted Bruce Marshard's late Percheron draft horse, Sonny, talking with a goose.
For 2014 poster Omar Rayyan depicted Bruce Marshard's late Percheron draft horse, Sonny, talking with a goose.
1992 West Tisbury centennial poster with art by Thomas Hart Benton is most valuable poster.
1992 West Tisbury centennial poster with art by Thomas Hart Benton is most valuable poster.
Joyce Maxner's 2010 design led to the theme "Kidding Around."
Joyce Maxner's 2010 design led to the theme "Kidding Around."
The Blacklows' blue-ribbon collection.
The Blacklows' blue-ribbon collection.
Morgan Lucero's team of oxen took home the blue ribbon in 2009.
Morgan Lucero's team of oxen took home the blue ribbon in 2009.
2015 poster featured mixed-media rooster by Kathy Maghini.
2015 poster featured mixed-media rooster by Kathy Maghini.
Through the years, all roads lead to the fair.
Through the years, all roads lead to the fair.
The unveiling of the poster for the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society's Livestock Fair and Show has become an annual event. The poster signals it is almost time for blue ribbons, rides, skillet throws, tempura and lemonade. The fair posters themselves have become a beloved part of the annual summer event, with each poster telling a story and becoming a collector's item.