The toughest competition the Let’s Move Martha’s Vineyard community kickoff festival faced this past week may have been the weather. A three-day northeaster forced event organizers to reschedule the festival for a date four days later. The new date, Saturday, dawned bright and sunny — perfect for going to the beach.

Though overall turnout was thus less than expected, organizers and attendees were nonetheless pleased with the success of the event, which marks the official beginning of an all-Island effort to emphasize the importance of being active and eating healthfully. The two goals are cornerstones of the presidential Let’s Move campaign, started by Michelle Obama as a way to combat childhood obesity. Let’s Move MV began planning its own efforts in late May.

“We’re hoping that this is going to be a kickoff for people to try different activities all winter long,” said Fern Thomas, a member of the Let’s Move committee.

little girl kicks ball
Emily Coogan of Vineyard Haven strikes a pose. — Ivy Ashe

As motivation for this end, a range of activities were on display through the day at Waban Park, ranging from early-morning water aerobics at the Inkwell to a climbing wall in the park. Tango and capoeira lessons at the park were well-attended, said Let’s Move chairman Nancy Phillips, but salsa dancing drew the biggest crowd, with well over 30 people participating. Music was provided by master of ceremonies deejay Frenchy, who was impressed by the enthusiasm of both participants and instructors.

“They all really got people to participate,” he said, noting that most instructors would not begin their lessons until they had drawn what they deemed a sufficient number of would-be onlookers.

Throughout the later part of the afternoon, crowds also stopped by to listen to local musical acts such as Nina Violet, Ballywho, Kate Taylor and Willy Mason.

“I think music is important for any festival,” Mrs. Phillips said.

Indeed, a celebration of motion would seem empty without it.