For 156 years in August all roads have led to the Agricultural Fair. This year was no exception. It was, perhaps, our finest. Many Island-grown children returned to ride the rides, eat the specialties, view the exhibits, join in the game, and reunion with their childhood buddies. Noel Macy came from Biston. Vanessa Williams left her law office and headed up from New Jersey. And, saints be praised, Ashley Willoughby Byrd returned to the Island of her birth after a strenuous episode of cancer treatments — now doing well. She left her home in San Marcos, Tex. Husband Sam needed to stay for work.

Ashley and Sam’s darling three year old, Jude, had spent the summer with his great-grandparents at their summer cottage lakeside in Maine. Uncle Chris Cimeno drove to fetch him in Belgrade. Nicole was the co-pilot. Ashley and Jude have been visiting with the extensive Willoughby-Cimeno families, all so well known on the Island. Cricket, Ashley’s dad, and Rhonda DeBettencourt, have been hosting the lively duo. Meanwhile, they are hanging with Ashley’s mom, Tamma, sister Chyenne, her husband, Ken Ward, and their adorable Emmalee, just a few months older than Jude.

I daresay this was Jude’s first fair, although he might have been taken as a baby before he could sit on a ride. Ashley and Jude went to the Fair twice so Jude would not miss any rides, animals or horse shows. Here is a real Vineyard story. Jude lost one shoe in the parking lot. Mikey Waters found it, another successful search and enjoy mission for Mikey. Mikey passed it off to the young ladies working the entrance. The girls gave it to Officer Nik Wojtkielo at the police booth. He sent a message to Ashley. Ashley sent Amy Sertl to retrieve it. Amy ran into Ashley’s sister Chyenne and gave it to her. And that’s the way we do it.

Jude and Ash also spent an afternoon with Amy and Mariah HallBilsback at Mariah’s family pool. Jude loved swimming around and playing with their little havanese dog, Beckett. Jude was also invited to the Black Dog Wharf to view the Shenandoah and the Alabama. Ashley and Jude’s dad, Sam, met the summer Sam was working on the Shenandoah. You can’t top this for an Island love story and another successful Ag Fair. Same time, next year.

Vanessa Williams won a Blue Ribbon for her dog, Angie. Michael Manfredi won a Blue Ribbon for one of his amazing photos. And Pam Benjamin’s very creative camp in our town, Sense of Wonder, worked together with campers and counselors on a fabulous giant hanging dragonfly which also won a Blue Ribbon. Start your projects for next year’s entries now.

A shout out to Tony Keogh from my Old Country who is on-Island for his annual retreat. I am sure he is spending his days on our many fine golf courses.

Pam Brock writes she was so impressed with the eclipse party our library held on Monday. Pam says the party was complete with viewing glasses, lemonade, cookies and cake.

The library hosts its pushing the limits book club on Monday, August 28 at 3 p.m. The book for discussion is Clive Cussler’s Arctic Drift. This club also presents videos and commentators on the subject. Copies of our book club selections are available at the circulation desk.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Monique Cormier on August 27; sister Cheyenne Cormier celebrates the next day; and on August 30, Laura Weigle Honey takes the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.