It was a Tivoli Day organizers dreamt about: good food, music, people and even better sales. Circuit avenue was busier than a weekend night in August last Saturday afternoon for the 33rd annual street fair, as the street bustled with Oak Bluffs businesses, food vendors and shoppers seeking end of the season deals.

“It was fantastic,” Oak Bluffs Association president Dennis daRosa said earlier this week. The association organizes the event every year. “We had more vendors and more food options on the street . . . there were throngs of people all day long spread out from [one end] to the Oyster Bar.”

Tivoli Day celebrates the end of summer and the beginning of fall, and takes its name from the community arcade building that was the center of town life at the turn of the century. Businesses use it as an opportunity to turn over summer merchandise before fall sets in, and with cooler temperatures on Saturday, Mr. daRosa said businesses got a much needed boost, seeing more people this year than in the past.

“We had a blast, it was a lot of fun,” Mr. daRosa said. “The vendors had an opportunity to meet people and talk to them. There were a couple of people running for [government] offices and a few nonprofits. It was a great mix of what Tivoli Day is all about.”

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Authors Cynthia Riggs and Holly Nadler hawk their books. — Peter Simon

Murray’s of the Vineyard, Basics, Craftworks, Glimpse of Tibet, the Black Dog and many more rolled out their racks of clothing and goodies, with signs of “50 per cent off everything” hanging at many booths. In between strolling, visitors dined outside at Sharky’s, Seasons and Deon’s to people-watch, while karaoke participants were stumbling over lyrics and laughing it off.

Julie Verost sold handmade aprons at the fair and did better on Saturday than she had over the summer selling at different markets. “I’m wonderfully surprised,” Ms. Verost said. “Today is perfect, perfect weather and great people.”

Next door to her stall, parents made their little ones try on Crocs that were on sale, while others tried on South Beach sweatpants over their shorts. Some grabbed cotton shirts and madras pants from Murray’s, some bought used golf balls to hit in a nearby park, others jumped on the opportunity to buy the Black Dog sweatshirt they had been eying all summer long. A few even stopped at the Mod Spa’s booth to have a masseuse walk on their backs or receive a back rub.

Local band Ballywho and the children’s parade began the afternoon with cheers and dancing, and the music continued all day long, as Phil daRosa and Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish performed later. Around 3 p.m., a large crowd gathered around the stage in front of the Oyster Bar, dancing in the street to the tunes of Mr. Hoy and his band.

Talia Luening
Good pickings forLianna Loughman, with Ella and Talia Luening. — Peter Simon

Dave Toppin helped kids and adults up on to his 19th century bicycle, something he and the Wheelmen have done for the past three years at Tivoli Day. Bicycle restoration enthusiasts from across the country met on the Vineyard this past weekend, riding their one-speed and chainless bikes around the Island.

“I like the festivities,” Mr. Toppin said, leaning against a bicycle that came up to his chest. “It’s fun to share and put people on the bikes.”

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Tivoli strollers Donald and Dejanah Gentry. — Peter Simon

When people weren’t balancing on the bikes, they were balancing shopping bags, linguica sausages, and beer in their hands. DeBorah Johnson was manning Arianna’s Delicious Fruit Smoothies booth, selling smoothies that she and her daughter Arianna make every day at home. It was her first time selling at Tivoli Day, and save for a leaky blender and a shortage on nut toppings, Ms. Johnson was enjoying the music and customers. Arianna was taking a nap in a red wagon under a tree.

“It’s been fun and I’m making money,” Ms. Johnson said. “Everybody’s spirits are up . . . It’s been wonderful. I’m having so much fun.”