Business Boosters

Many remember the bike race that used to anchor the annual Tivoli Day weekend in Oak Bluffs; it was a kind of must-do autumn event that we looked forward to every year. After a long summer of hard work, this was our time to get out and bask in the warm September sun, reclaiming the Island absent the crowds and traffic. Tivoli Day was a quintessential Vineyard event.

The bike race has been gone for years, but Tivoli Day has endured, today a colorful street fair with food, music and a festive atmosphere that only Oak Bluffs can muster. The events begin tomorrow morning and go on all day.

This year Tivoli Day will include two special events of note. At the Flying Horses Carousel, a special ride-for-the-ring event will raise money for the carousel’s Jena Pothier memorial scholarship.

It will also include special recognition for Renee Balter, founder, past president, executive director and recently vice president of the Oak Bluffs Association, which organizes the annual event.

The association was founded 20 years ago “to support a harmonious working relationship among members of the business community, civic associations, town officials and citizens of Oak Bluffs.” In a town more often singled out for criticism than praise, the Oak Bluffs Association is a model of community engagement.

We applaud its tireless work to stimulate commerce in this little town in the shoulder season, especially during difficult economic times when it might be easier just to say “cancel.” The Oak Bluffs Association never gives up, and we thank the business leaders — especially Mrs. Balter — for their efforts.

See you Saturday.