They say life is a roller coaster ride of events and here on Martha’s Vineyard some of the biggest events are squeezed into one week. The week of the big three is upon us so lace up your shoes and get ready to rock, roll and ride through the excitement.

I will admit, I’ve never been to Grand Illumination. I know, I know, I am missing out, but I’ve always been the one to say “You go and enjoy. I will work.” My eldest, Bradley, will be there donned in her paramedic gear, hoping to only give out a Band-Aid or two.

Clara Athearn has been all a-chatter about what type of pie she plans to enter in the 161st Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair. Last year she took home a blue ribbon for her lattice crust peach pie. The last time we chatted she was leaning towards peach once again. We will all see her creation once the judging has been completed and the hall doors open to reveal whose creations have been adorned with fanciful ribbons.

Ted Bernhard has entered a pencil sketch of the Menemsha Texaco super-unleaded dispenser. It may seem like a slightly out-of-the-ordinary topic for such artistry, but his three daughters — Lily, Charlotte and Kat — have all helped us out manning the pumps, so it only seems fitting. Ribbon or not, it certainly wins some applause from me.

Strolling the hall is one of my favorite fair pastimes. I am always amazed by what talent my friends and neighbors have.

The big three wraps up with the Oak Bluffs fireworks display where you will find Chilmark kid and high schooler Emily Boyd playing with the Vineyard Haven Band. Fireworks aren’t her favorite thing, but band tops her list so applaud her if you see her.

Another occurrence worth mentioning is the appearance of local corn. There is nothing like the sweet taste of a few ears freshly plucked from the fields. Dan Athearn shared some of Morning Glory’s golden goodness with us the other day. Rather than boiling water, I popped an ear in the microwave for three minutes and happily enjoyed it for dinner with a little sprinkle of salt. It was perfection.

Dan’s preferred method these days is grilling. I rather enjoy that, too, but alas, the propane tank has rendered itself empty.

Lucas and Trish Murphy took a spin across the Sound to spend a little time with Lucas’s mom Susan. They strolled Menemsha with her pup Hamish, took in the sights and stopped by for a quick chat before zipping back. Sixteen-year-old Taco opted to stay home for a chill afternoon. Next time, maybe he will be convinced that an ice cream in Menemsha and a hug from his gram will be worth the trip.

Andrew and Emma Fischer made their way to town from their home in California with kiddos Marni and Tosh. They’ve spent a lot of time catching crabs, swaying on swings and being silly with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Cousin Gene Fischer is pretty happy they are here as are grand folks Albert and Linda Fischer, aunt Lydia Fischer and great-aunt Ann Wallace. Heck, just about everyone is happy they are here.

This weekend is a big one in Falmouth, too. The 51st annual running of the road race will take place on Sunday, August 20. Meg Athearn and others, I am sure, will be headed over to participate. Meg’s run will raise funds for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. Be sure to cheer her on and, if you can, show your support with a few dollars towards her cause. Give her a shout if you want to contribute.

Please be sure to extend condolences to the family of Bob Bouchard, who died earlier this week in New Bedford. He was an active member of the Chilmark fire department for a number of years before moving off-Island. When his children Stephanie, Ashley and Lyle were little, he took tremendous pride in his role on the department and always volunteered to assist with the Halloween and Christmas parties, making sure each child in town was remembered. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mercy, Meals and More, P.O. Box 40515 New Bedford, MA 02744, where he was an active volunteer.