Racks of hats and T-shirts for the optimists, sweatshirts and raincoats for the cautious, coffee cups for grown-ups, balloons for kids, hair products for the stylish and umbrellas to keep their hair dry — all of them lined outdoor tables for the length of Circuit avenue on Saturday at 5 p.m., ready to celebrate the fourth annual Oak Bluffs Summer Solstice.

Vendors took the opportunity to showcase their wares in the street, luring customers inside as sounds of Island bands filtered in from the street where restaurants offered outdoor seating, with car traffic closed for the night.

Despite predicted thunderstorms, the crowd remained upbeat. In fact, people celebrated the lack of rain and cool June Island air. They lingered on Circuit avenue carrying shopping bags and ice cream cones, soaking up the variety the town has to offer. When asked whether the weather had had an impact on the evening’s sales, Harry Datta of Tease Outlet MV replied, “Not yet . . . today was nice weather,” adding that nevertheless he was selling more sweatshirts this year.

Tanya Chipperfield of Mocha Mott’s Coffee said she had expected rain. “We’re pleasantly surprised. It was really busy today.”

For Maggie Mae of Circuit Style, business was slow but fun. “It’s nice to just get energized and have positive energy with everyone involved,” she said.

Other vendors lamented the turnout and sales from the evening’s event compared with past summers. “Last year was much busier,” said Sonny Chibber of Island Bar and Grille, blaming the overcast skies. “There’s not any locals out, only a few tourists.”

Stretch Allen of The Corner Store said, “I think we would have been busier if they hadn’t predicted rain.”

Yet the overcast skies didn’t seem to affect the mood of those enjoying festivities. They rummaged through clothing racks, sat down for dinner on Circuit and lingered to listen to the local musicians distributed in different sections of the street.

Police officers surrounded the premises. When asked how he felt about converting Circuit avenue into a pedestrian avenue, officer Jared Andrews replied: “The only reason I feel great about it is our force has put on so many people . . . we’re trying to make sure it’s a safe and friendly environment.” Officer Dolan agreed. “Everyone is really aware of it. The weather [today] helps . . . it’s a big thing with the weather, usually the harbor is busier,” he said.

Erin Tiernan of Eastaway clothing said the event had brought no additional business, but in fact quieted her business. “However, if it turns into a great event, I’m all for it,” she said. “We put something out that’s a good deal. We put rain jackets out there to entice people.”

Dulcie Rutherford of B-Tru worried. “I think honestly it might hinder sales, the fact that streets close,” she said, noting a lack of parking. “But Harborfest draws people in,” she added. “I’m sort of on the fence about summer solstice, but I love the idea.”

Early in the evening, Dona Krus­zewski of Ben and Bill’s Ice Cream Emporium told the Gazette the shop had been a little less crowded, but he shrugged it off. “It just started,” he said, referring to the season. Colleen Campbell concurred. “The weather hasn’t helped much — it hasn’t completely hindered it, but if it was sunnier . . .” she said. Tom Neadow finished the sentence: “Around 10 p.m., we’ll be hopping.”

Asked whether he believed the ambiance brought in more customers, Sean O’Brien of Smoke’N Bones said, “Of course, definitely. More people come out tonight, it definitely helps us out.”

Rushing and brushing off an interview, one attendee said, “We’ll be back and forth — after we get something scrumptious to eat.”

Another passerby Sophie Bartolomeo noted, “It’s a little chilly, but it’s not bad at all.”

The excitement was tangible. “I like that they close off the streets,” Ms. Bartolomeo said. Paige Barley, who had come to the event last year, said: “It’s the music and the fact that restaurants bring out tables.”

Others simply stumbled upon the event. Mike Ryan said: “I think it’s a lot of fun. We came in by boat and it happened by chance to be summer solstice.”

Annie Finnerty laughed. “I think people were really excited it wasn’t raining anymore,” she said.

Bruce Dew of Jaba’s Gallery said, “It’s nice to see all the people around — there’s actual life on the Island.”

On a break from playing music with Ballywho, Vinnie Padalino said: “It’s been great. A lot of folks are around — we just had a 10-year-old playing bass. He just jumped in . . . people are loving it.”

Corinne de Langavant, who performed as a clown to entertain young children, was at the Polly Hill Arboretum earlier in the day for the summer solstice celebration. “On my way home I thought I would make a short appearance,” she said, her exuberant costume and animated spirit drawing many spectators. Did the lack of sunshine bother her? “I forget all about it when I start to dance,” she said.

As crowds began to disperse around 9 p.m., drifting in and out of restaurants, the ice cream stores were packed to the brim, lines snaking out the doors and around corners. “We haven’t been this busy in a while,” said Sandy Peredes of Carousel.

By 10 p.m. some revelers headed for the bars, while others returned to their cars. The festive scene lingered in the avenue that had been emptied of cars, with people embracing the distinct atmosphere of Oak Bluffs on this particular night. Vendors kept their doors open; teenagers huddled in small groups, practicing real-life social networking. Police officers maintained watch. And shopkeepers cheerfully and swiftly gathered up the items they set out for the event and placed them back inside — at precisely the right time, before a light drizzle sprinkled over the town, to mark the official beginning of summer.