Even though the sun took the Fourth of July off, people across the Island found plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day.

The sharp breezes and daunting sky kept folks off the beach. A survey of Norton Point Beach at midday showed only a handful of people, most of whom traded sunblock for sweaters. In fact, more state police than vacationers braved that territory.

The weather and slow morning nudged people toward their favorite restaurants for a leisurely breakfast.

Fireworks Marred by Accident
By MANDY LOCKE

Quick response by emergency crews averted disaster when fire broke out on the barge launching the Independence Day fireworks over Edgartown harbor.

"It could have been a big disaster. It wasn't. No one was hurt," Edgartown fire chief Antone A. Bettencourt said.

The accident began about 25 minutes into the half-hour, $16,000 show, just before a sequence of rockets introduced the grand finale.

On a Fibar-covered floor at the indoor riding arena at Red Pony Farm, celebrated modern dance choreographer Paula Josa-Jones found a new stage. When Ms.

It's time to pull out the red, white and blue and join with other Islanders for Independence Day festivities. Edgartown plays host tomorrow to a Fourth of July parade and fireworks display. If you want to join the holiday fun, read along for details about the day.

Vineyard Braces for Holiday
By MANDY LOCKE

With Fourth of July falling in the middle of this coming week, predictions about when the great surge of holiday visitors will reach the Island are as uncertain as forecasting Vineyard weather.

The Vineyard's summer rental market is soft this season.