Today is the start of the long holiday weekend. Labor Day is on Monday and marks the end of the high summer season. All municipal buildings and the post office will be closed.

Tuesday is the state primary election and polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the public saftey building across from Conroy’s.

The VTA buses begin their fall schedule on Wednesday. All schools open on Tuesday. We have had excellent weather but sadly all good things must come to an end. If you have to go downtown, you will immediately notice the drop in the volume of automobile traffic and you might even find a parking place.

School buses will soon be on the road so be prepared to stop when you see red flashing lights at the top of the busses as the driver is about to put out the stop sign. Beach stickers will still be required at Lambert’s Cove beach until Sept. 15.

Phyllis Meras of Music street held her annual season-ending party on her back lawn late Saturday afternoon and it was well attended. A good time was had by all.

Warren Hollinshead reports that daughters Anne and Dana and their families were with them for the fair week. Dana’s children Evan and Lauren got several ribbons and his wife Marilyn got two ribbons for her hydrangeas and a flower arrangement.

Chrisa Mayhew of Cleveland, Ohio, departed on Monday after spending a few days visiting friends and relatives on the Island. She reports enjoying the beaches, lovely weather and eating out. It was a great birthday present and she looks forward to returning soon.

Fran Kaufman of Plum Bush Point reports that she and her husband hosted 20 members of their family last week. They enjoyed the fine weather and went to the beach nearly every day.

Bob Luskin and his wife Charlotte Fallon were host to several house guests from the D.C. area last week. They enjoyed the fair, beaches and shopping. Bob used his finest family china at one of the family meals he prepared.

Jen Wool reports that Kim Bartlett of Burlington, Vt. will be here in time for Tivoli Day — one of her favorite events.

Andrea Rogers, manager of the 23rd Artisans Labor Day Festival, reports that the event begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. over at the Agricultural Hall. Many Island artisans will take part in the show; all types of artwork will be on display, as well as furniture, jewelry, photography and much more. There will also be wagon rides for the kids, music, food from Little Rock Farm, many demonstrations and free admission. The parking fee will go toward the Vineyard Artisans Scholarship Fund.

Olivia Larsen over at the library reports that tomorrow at 4 p.m. author Jim Kaplan will give a talk in tribute to William Shakespeare’s play, King Lear. Jim will discuss his newest booklet titled The Greatness of King Lear. The library will be closed all day on Monday in observance of Labor Day.

The West Tisbury School opened for the school year on Sept. 8, 1947 with 20 students registered for all four grades. Helen R. O’Donnell returned for her fourth year of teaching all of the grades.

Happy birthday to Pat Mitchell, Chuck Wiley, Michael Smith, Marilyn Wortman and Janet Johnson Friday; Ebba Hierta, Karen Russilo and Candace Webster Saturday; Hilary Blocksom, Ann Bassett, Nielia Decker and Jane Dreeben on Sunday; Dick Burt, Bonnie Eldridge and Mary Sobel on Monday; John Hough and Samantha Cochrane on Tuesday; Ward Just, Laurie Mazer and Gloria Sylva on Wednesday; Laura Marshall, Michael Jackson, Cheryl Larsen and Lisa Rogers on Thursday. Happy 12th anniversary greetings to Jay Segel and Celine Gobard on Monday and belated 56th anniversary wishes to Dick and Diana Reische of Yellow Brick Road.

Well, that is all of the social news for this week’s column. If you have any news please call or e-mail me. Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday in the primary election. Have a great week.

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