Now that the dust has settled and the rides, booths, and blue ribbons have been put away for another year, I feel a need to comment on the fair. As a 30-year summer resident of this fabulous Island and the former owner of Jordan’s Furniture it is time to shake things up . . . . a bit! Sure, I love the tradition and history of the fair each year, but it is time to honor tradition and welcome some new ideas. Every year the fair is exactly the same. Sure, we love it, but what would be so terrible to freshen it up a bit?

Add some new food, move some of the booths so it has a slightly different feel. How about some new games and rides? Those rides are old, dirty and tired. Maybe it is time to try a new carnival partner with some different rides and new games. It is still a fair, but kids eyes will light up with excitement seeing something new. How about some new contests to enter? The funniest homemade video or something from this century to add to the largest tomato and best chocolate chip cookie. It is time to “go outside the box” just a little.

Barry Tatelman
Edgartown