The hazy hot and humid has gone for now. We had some warm for the Fourth, but it seemed to cool down for the festivities, and the sky stayed clear for the fireworks. Fourth of July was a success.

Happy birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Hugo Delhougne and Joao Simoes, who celebrated July 6; Schnyeder De Oliveira, Jhon Moreira and Noah Nascimento on July 7; Emily Gilley, Erin Gilley, Thomas Mullen and Thais Pereira, July 9; Amy Maeda, Philip Pruciano and Cameron Stanton for July 10, and to Dominick Assis who celebrated July 11.

I drove the town band float in the parade. This was not my first time to do it, but I had not driven it in a couple of years. What a surprise when I turned out of the school and found wall-to-wall people, the most I have ever seen on the Edgartown West Tisbury Road. There were many more on the next few streets, then we turned up North Water street and Main and I was very nervous as I navigated the float through the sea of people.

I have never objected the candy throwing, but I object to the people stepping in front of the cars to get the candy. The kids were not as bad as the adults! But we all made it through safely. Everyone was happy and the parade was a good one. Ted Morgan would have been proud, and it started at five on the dot. You taught them well, Ted.

Did you know there’s some magic in a ukulele? Prepare to bring your uke (and a sense of humor) to the Agricultural Fair on Aug. 15. There will be a uke jam from 4:30 to 6 p.m. If you don’t have one, they can be borrowed from most of the Island libraries, or are very affordable if you want to buy one from Island Music. Learn four to six chords and you’re “good to go.” Songs you know — and chords — will be projected onto a screen. It’s appropriate for all ages and abilities. If you have any questions, email debby@mvtechinc.com.

PickPocket Blue Grass Band will be the live music at the library on Tuesday, July 16, at 6:30 p.m.

Every year I see Paula and Drew Smith prepare for their Fourth of July party. It is full with family, Tom and wife Allison, John and wife Debbie, Paula’s sister Laura and childhood friends Amy Billings and Noel Bagnall. What a group of happy people! Paula posted pictures of the weekend, and I think my favorite was of Alison Smith’s mother Barbara, in her usual position at State Beach with her chair at the water’s edge.

It takes me back to all the beach days we spent with them, when Tommy and Alison’s sons Conor and Liam were little, and she sat at the edge of the water the whole day watching them. Now she will be continuing with her great-grandson Finley. I can’t wait for those pictures.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.

Send Edgartown news to kathleencase@comcast.net.