The weekend weather was just delightful. The beaches were pleasantly full on Sunday, many cookouts were held over the weekend. The school, firehouse and town playgrounds were busy. Tom Hodgson, a.k.a. the Music street meteorologist, reports that the rainfall Saturday afternoon was substantial – nearly a half inch. Activity will pick up even more in this town in advance of the fair as we have passed the peak of the summer season. Hundreds of cars attended the farmers’ market and/or the library book sale on Saturday.

John and Goldie Siffert, of New York city and Edgartown Road, arrived last week to spend the month of August at their home named God’s Pocket. His sister Joan arrived on Wednesday for a visit. John is looking forward to a month of rest and relaxation.

Connie Koch, of Washington D.C., arrived last weekend to spend the remainder of the summer at her Edgartown Road home. She will be busy preparing for family visits.

Paul Karasik, nationally-known cartoonist, reports that he has a cartoon in the New Yorker that was on newsstands last Monday. He won an Eisner Award last week and is now in Vermont for two weeks to teach at The Center for Cartoon Studies.

The 157th annual Agricultural Fair begins a week from next Thursday, the 16th of August, and runs until Sunday evening. Fair books are available at the Agricultural Hall office on Panhandle Road. The hall has been open since Monday as preparations for the fair began in earnest. The fair book gives a complete schedule of events, plus details on all the categories should you be planning to enter an exhibit and the necessary forms.

The Vineyard Transit Authority again this year, will be extending bus service to the fair. These days it may be the most economical and efficient way for you to get there. A complete bus schedule will be posted on the front porch of the hall or you can call the VTA at 508-693-9440.

Olivia Larsen, over at the library, reports that Saturday from 3:30 to 5 p.m., the library will host an art reception to honor the work of Island artist, Marie-Louise Rouff. Marie-Louise’s work will be on display in the community room throughout the month of August. On Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., the library will host Songs from the Field, a concert with the MV Spirituals Choir. Island Grown Initiative will continue serving lunch at the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.!

Margot Datz invites you to her art show and reception Saturday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Grange Hall. The theme this year is Party Animals and limited edition prints will be available.

Peter and Beatrice Nessen of Old County Road held a garden party last Friday night to officially welcome Katherine Walsh and her husband Bruce Fernie back into the neighborhood, It was attended by most of their neighbors and friends. A good time was had by all.

Faith Brown reports that the Martha’s Vineyard Author Series continues on Sunday and Thursday for discussions with two leading women in the fight for women’s equality. On August 5, former president of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards discusses her bestselling memoir, Make Trouble, and on August 9, comedy writer Nell Scovell will discuss her memoir, Just the Funny Parts. They will speak at the Chilmark Community Center at 7:30 p.m.

Happy birthday to Nancy Gardella, Carole Hunter, Simone Vega and Laura Silber Friday; John Pavlik, Tricia Bergeron and Kristen Kinsler Saturday; Janet Alley, Barack Obama, John Kelleher and Lynn Gale on Sunday; Mary Donlavey, Patricia Cliggott, Donna Diaz and Colleen Barnett on Monday; Martha Moore, Elizabeth Goodell and Tonya Leonard on Tuesday; Debbie Brew, Ken Childs, Marcia Klepper-Smith, Keston Smith, Tom Hodgson and Nettie Kent on Wednesday; Claire Gray, Kim Lucas and Kim O’Connor on Thursday. Belated birthday greetings to Goodie Stiller and anniversary wishes to Ed and Holly Eger, George and Andrea Hartman Saturday. Jon and Genevieve Randall celebrate their 30th on Thursday.

Well, that is all of the social news for this week’s column. If you have any news please e-mail or call me. Have a great week.

West Tisbury news can be sent to alleys@vineyard.net.