Island Light: Third of July
Another season for the Vineyard Haven Band playing to the crowds at Ocean Park.
Another season for the Vineyard Haven Band playing to the crowds at Ocean Park.
Taking a break from marching around the Bandstand in Oak Bluffs.
Taking a break from marching around the Bandstand in Oak Bluffs.
Colorful kayaks await paddlers for some cooling time on Lagoon Pond.
Colorful kayaks await paddlers for some cooling time on Lagoon Pond.
Bob Hammond and Brad Abbott break out their instruments and play outside at Gannon and Benjamin.
Bob Hammond and Brad Abbott break out their instruments and play outside at Gannon and Benjamin.
1956 Buick Century cruises Moshup Trail with style and class.
1956 Buick Century cruises Moshup Trail with style and class.
Sea Horse, flying the skull and crossbones, heads out from her Vineyard Haven port.
Sea Horse, flying the skull and crossbones, heads out from her Vineyard Haven port.
Sally Taylor enjoys a summer moment in the cool shade.
Sally Taylor enjoys a summer moment in the cool shade.
Glistening water at Nashaquitsa, and the only sound is the lapping of the water.
Glistening water at Nashaquitsa, and the only sound is the lapping of the water.
Hokule'a makes her way into Vineyard Haven, welcomed by the Alabama.
Hokule'a makes her way into Vineyard Haven, welcomed by the Alabama.
Annual women's reunion in Oak Bluffs.
Annual women's reunion in Oak Bluffs.
Gay Head at twilight is made for strolls on the beach.
Gay Head at twilight is made for strolls on the beach.
Roses and hydrangeas are in bloom, sidewalks swept clean, windows flung open to the muggy air. Grocery stores are stocked with hot dogs and lemonade. Farm stands are a painterly study in fresh lettuce, sugar snap peas and sweet strawberries still warm from the field. Bunting is draped across white picket fences and the fashionable colors for the weekend are of course red, white and blue.
The Island celebrates its own unique brand of Independence Day, blending Main Street America with summer resort. It is a happy, easy time, a time for families to spend together with shoes off and hair frizzed by the soft, damp weather.
The Gazette extends its warmest wishes to all Islanders for a safe and happy Fourth of July.