Today (Tuesday, Oct. 11) the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) celebrates Cranberry Day, an ancient tradition that includes a Wampanoag community harvest of wild cranberries growing in the sandy bogs of this tiny town in the westernmost reaches of the Vineyard. Tribal elders remember the days when oxcarts were used to haul the harvest, which was an integral part of the Wampanoag economy, as the cranberries were sold or traded for staples for the winter. Before that the harvest signaled a time when the Wampanoags would move from their summer camps on the shores of the saltwater ponds to winter homes inland.

Tribal children are excused from school for the day to attend this celebration which is unique to the Gay Head Wampanoags. The daytime event is for tribal members only and closed to the public. But all are invited to a community potluck supper and social at the end of the day at the tribal building in Aquinnah. The event is from 6 to 9 p.m.. Bring a dish to share; there will be dancing and drumming after dinner.