On a recent summer morning in Aquinnah, Daniel Sauer was tending to a tomato plant with one hand and holding the hand of his 18-month-old son, Amos, in the other. This was a typical day for Mr. Sauer, a balancing act of farming, cooking and family time.

If Michael Brisson had the opportunity to serve God the perfect meal, he would make his spice crusted foie gras, étouffee of lobster, and his pistachio and limoncellocrèmebrûlée. He’s had 25 years on the Vineyard to perfect those recipes at his restaurant l’étoile in Edgartown, and has more energy than ever.

When most people think of the Yard in Chilmark, an arts colony full of modern dancers comes to mind. Perhaps a touch of bohemia, too, with artists living and working on the grounds off Middle Road, running around barefoot with grace and poise. The Yard is all of those things, but at the fifth anniversary gala tonight, artists are out to prove it’s much more.

Opera singers, musicians, actors, performance artists and, yes, dancers will fill the barn theatre to showcase their talents in the fifth celebration of the opening of the Yard Arts Festival.

There’s something comforting about wandering the streets of Edgartown and being able to see inside the extra large doors of the old whaling captains homes, knowing so much history has crossed those thresholds.

And as American flags go up this week decorating the streets of the Vineyard, and red and white flower pots dot balconies and adorn storefronts on Main street in Edgartown, history repeats itself. The Fourth of July is Sunday, marking both the national Independence Day holiday and the official start of summer on the Island.

The Farm Institute in Katama has named Jonathan Previant as its new executive director. He brings to the institute a strong business background combined with a lifelong interest in agriculture.

Mr. Previant, 63, spoke to the Gazette over the weekend as he was driving north from Miami, Vineyard-bound for a fresh start on the farm. “I’m pretty excited about the opportunity and anxious to get to the Vineyard and get started,” he said.

He begins work on July 1.

Lisa Fisher is protective of the word organic. She guards it like one of her precious artichokes, pays close attention to the term as she tends her string beans, and cares for it like the tomatoes that are just beginning to ripen.

There are nearly 90 certified organic farms across Massachusetts. Ms. Fisher’s Stannard Farms in West Tisbury is the only one on the Vineyard.