The Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair
From ferris wheel to Ag Hall, midway to the performance ring, fair is center of action for four days every August.
From ferris wheel to Ag Hall, midway to the performance ring, fair is center of action for four days every August.
All roads have led the Agricultural Fair since 1858.
All roads have led the Agricultural Fair since 1858.
The action continues day and night.
The action continues day and night.
Fun for everyone on the midway.
Fun for everyone on the midway.
Prize-winning quilts, cakes, cucumbers and works of art are on display in the Ag Hall.
Prize-winning quilts, cakes, cucumbers and works of art are on display in the Ag Hall.
Candy apple wishes and cotton candy dreams.
Candy apple wishes and cotton candy dreams.
New friends are made at the fair.
New friends are made at the fair.
Vincent Maciel is up in the air for woodsman's competition.
Vincent Maciel is up in the air for woodsman's competition.
All aboard the Zipper.
All aboard the Zipper.
Ribbons of all colors for tomatoes of all colors.
Ribbons of all colors for tomatoes of all colors.
Chickens and children.
Chickens and children.
Swimming pigs are always a hit.
Swimming pigs are always a hit.
Where it all happens: the Agricultural Hall.
Where it all happens: the Agricultural Hall.
Sunset behind the ever-popular tempura stand.
Sunset behind the ever-popular tempura stand.
Slide offers fun for all, especially youngest fairgoers.
Slide offers fun for all, especially youngest fairgoers.
Kara Shemeth winds up for skillet throw.
Kara Shemeth winds up for skillet throw.
Three dogs, one frisbee.
Three dogs, one frisbee.
Axe throw requires strength and skill.
Axe throw requires strength and skill.
All smiles on the ferris wheel.
All smiles on the ferris wheel.
Draft horse draws a crowd.
Draft horse draws a crowd.
A wealth of surprises are on display in the hall.
A wealth of surprises are on display in the hall.
Sweet moments between friends of all species.
Sweet moments between friends of all species.
Charlie Uhlendorf of Washington D.C. and Clare Mone of West Tisbury with Pee-Wee the frog.
Charlie Uhlendorf of Washington D.C. and Clare Mone of West Tisbury with Pee-Wee the frog.
Every swing is full.
Every swing is full.
Ribbons and high praise for Russell the chicken.
Ribbons and high praise for Russell the chicken.
Old fair posters are collectors items and reminders of the past.
Old fair posters are collectors items and reminders of the past.
Cars may fill fair parking loat, but horse-drawn carriages are still common sight.
Cars may fill fair parking loat, but horse-drawn carriages are still common sight.
Midway lights up summer nights.
Midway lights up summer nights.
The Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair is one of the highlights of summer on the Island. With roots tracing back to the 1850s, the four-day affair celebrates the Vineyard's agricultural past and has entertained generations.
On the Midway thrill-seekers line up for rides on the Zipper while others take a turn on the Ferris wheel or try out a carnival game. Over in the Agricultural Hall Islanders share their talents and fruits of their labors as prize-winning jams, cookies, fruits and vegetables share space with handmade quilts, artwork, and other crafts.
Surprises are always in store at the livestock barn, from newborn piglets nestled with mama pig to draft horses, friendly goats, and an array of beloved chickens and other birds. Oxen nibble grass outside, near dog herding demonstrations, and alpacas are a popular attraction amid the activity in the fiber tent. Meanwhile crowds gather to watch the skillet and axe throwing competitions, the horse pull, the woodsmen's competition, and the dog show. The swimming pigs are perennial favorites. Live music and puppet shows entertain the crowds that settle down for a break, and a snack of tempura, lemonade, a hamburger, pie, funnel cake or cotton candy (or all of the above). And at the end of the day lights from the rides fill the dark summer sky.
See you at the fair.