The sun made a rare and much-welcomed appearance on Chappy this weekend. Like most of New England, we have had an unusually wet and cool spring, with the majority of days forecast for rain or clouds and some of the coldest days on record. The damp weather has caused many Islanders (including this one) to grumble, repeatedly muttering things like, “Will summer ever arrive?” and “Why is it so cold?” An unusual spring should no longer be a surprise to us. It simply follows on the coattails of an unusual winter, which followed an unusual fall, and before that an unusual summer.

The upside of a drawn out spring is that the daffodils and other early spring blooms have held on for a weeks longer than normal. While some have dropped their golden heads for the year, other pockets are still cheerful and abundant. A particularly lovely spot is at the Polly Hill arboretum where daffodils line a meandering path through the main field and lead the way to the first rhododendron and azalea blooms of the season.

Edgartown is in full bloom. Cherry blossoms hang heavily over the increasingly busy sidewalks and all but a few of the trees have burst forth with bright green leaves. Over here on Chappy we are still a step behind, with just a flush of pale yellow and reds hinting at what is about to arrive. The lilies of the valley have started blooming, blanketing the ground with tiny white flowers tucked inside lush foliage. Today I picked a handful of the little flowers at Margaret Knight’s house and the sweet fragrance now fills my home. Equally fragrant is the lilac sitting in a vase by the kitchen sink. So far it appears that the lilacs are going to make up for a rather poor showing last year.

I always know summer is imminent when the number of walkers, bikers and runners increases along Chappaquiddick Road. Some of the perennial roadside travelers, like Sally Nichols, Tom Tilghman, Judy Buss and Paul Cardello have already returned. They herald the arrival of warmer months and the return of many of our other Chappy neighbors. The first beach-goers were spotted at Chappy point on Saturday. They lounged in the sunshine on beach towels, enjoying temperatures in the sixties and no wind. Toes, and maybe a few bodies, were dipped in the still-cold water.

This Saturday starting at 1 p.m. the Yard will be performing their annual dance at Mytoi. It is a truly unique and beautiful experience, with dancers spread throughout the Japanese garden. After visiting Mytoi, come by Slip Away Farm for our annual spring barbeque starting at 4 p.m. This is a casual, all-ages-welcome community event to celebrate the start of our eighth growing season on Chappy. Please bring your own drink and a bit of cash to help cover the cost of the event. $20 per person is suggested.

The community center has a new summer program manager. Pam Stenson is commuting over from Edgartown to organize and plan all the events and kids programs for the CCC this summer. A former long-distance competitive swimmer, Pam is considering offering lessons. “She has a lot of energy so look out!” says Sidney Morris. Sidney also says to keep an eye out for the annual CCC letter with summer program sign up forms. (And don’t forget Sidney’s 70th birthday bash is on June 2 at the Community Center. All are welcome to come celebrate!)

Mark your calendar for the inaugural Chappy Point to Point, a five-mile road race from the waters of Wasque Point to the ferry at Chappy Point, on Sunday, June 30 at 8:30 a.m. All funds raised will be donated to the Community Center and the Trustee’s Martha’s Vineyard Fund. Google “Chappy Point to Point” for more information or to sign up for the event.

This weekend marks the opening of the Slip Away farm stand (Fridays and Saturdays) as well as the Chappy store (weekends only until June). It is also the beginning of daily lighthouse tours with the Trustees and the change of the Chappy ferry to the summer schedule.

Send Chappy news to slipawayfarm@gmail.com.