Photograph of Elisha Smith was on display. Mr. Smith died Friday at the age of 90. — Ivy Ashe

As starter plants begin to sprout in greenhouses across the Island, the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society ushered in the spring season on Saturday evening at its annual potluck.

Tables full of salads, roast turkey, potatoes, macaroni and cheese, Debbie Athearn’s famous meatloaf and desserts lined the agricultural hall in West Tisbury. It was a scene much like many other Vineyard potlucks, where food took center stage, children ran freely and neighbors took time to catch up. Weather was a hot topic of conversation and most everyone agreed it has been a very long winter.

The potluck drew a smaller turnout than other years, something society vice president Jim Athearn pointed out worked in the diners’ favor.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for coming to our surprisingly intimate potluck supper for the spring,” he said. “We have our tables lettered A through X but I don’t think we need to have a seating program.”

Mr. Athearn also took a moment to remember longtime farmer and society president Elisha Smith, who died on Friday at the age of 90. A small portrait of Mr. Smith was placed above the fireplace for the evening.