School Spirit Burns Bright at Island Cup Bonfire
The mound of shipping pallets is covered in aspirational signs and ready to burn.
The mound of shipping pallets is covered in aspirational signs and ready to burn.
The Oak Bluffs Fire Department prepared the blaze.
The Oak Bluffs Fire Department prepared the blaze.
An Oak Bluffs fireman gets things started with a flare.
An Oak Bluffs fireman gets things started with a flare.
After a few moments, the fire spreads.
After a few moments, the fire spreads.
Accelerant is added to speed things along.
Accelerant is added to speed things along.
Flames spread quickly through the tangle of pallets.
Flames spread quickly through the tangle of pallets.
Pallets are moved to the hottest areas.
Pallets are moved to the hottest areas.
Smoke mixes with fog and embers fall on a field wet with dew.
Smoke mixes with fog and embers fall on a field wet with dew.
Athletes and friends watch as the fire grows.
Athletes and friends watch as the fire grows.
It does not take long for some impromptu practice to break out.
It does not take long for some impromptu practice to break out.
Excitement and fun with a dramatic backdrop.
Excitement and fun with a dramatic backdrop.
"Goodbye Nantucket."
"Goodbye Nantucket."
School spirit and football fervor abounded.
School spirit and football fervor abounded.
The yearly bonfire is the place to be.
The yearly bonfire is the place to be.
The fire burned down slowly before the Fire Department wrapped everything up.
The fire burned down slowly before the Fire Department wrapped everything up.
Marking the start of the Island Cup schedule, the high school hosted a bonfire Wednesday night, attended by teachers, coaches, players and students alike. With smoke billowing high above the school and the trees that surround the athletic fields, the Vineyarders prepared for the contentious weekend ahead, fanning the flames of a decades-old rivalry.