Islanders walked onto the Dr. Daniel Fisher House lawn Thursday evening in floor-length floral dresses, linen shirts and embroidered suit jackets, eager to kick off the 40th annual A Taste of the Vineyard fundraiser.
Organized by the Vineyard Preservation Trust, the event played host to over 100 food and beverage vendors. Both familiar favorites and up-and-coming establishments were in attendance, joining with partygoers to celebrate the unique flavors of Martha’s Vineyard’s culinary scene.
The Taste is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Vineyard Preservation Trust, which stewards iconic Island landmarks such as the Flying Horses Carousel, the Old Whaling Church and Union Chapel.
“Every ticket, every vendor, every sponsor and every guest helps the Vineyard Preservation Trust care for 20 beloved landmarks and keep them active, accessible and full of life for generations to come,” said Nevette Previd, the Trust’s executive director.
What started as an annual fundraiser has grown into one of the most anticipated and high-energy evenings of the season.
When asked what makes the Taste so beloved, and the entry tickets so coveted, events and program manager Julie Hatt answered decisively: “community.”
For Ms. Hatt, this includes both guests and vendors, who divide their time between working their tables and participating in the festivities.
“I want it to be an enjoyment for everybody,” she said.
Joy was certainly the mood of the partygoers as they maneuvered from table to table, balancing overflowing food platters complete with a cup holder for wine glasses.
From behind the booths, vendors expressed their excitement, too.
“This is the kickoff of the summer,” said Brae Eddleston, co-founder of Pocket Dogs, while wearing a pair of hotdog-adorned sunglasses. “It makes the Island come alive, and it is one of the most vibrant, exciting times to be able to connect with vendors and experience the Island all in one.”
This was Pocket Dogs’ first year attending the Taste.
“My main goal is to showcase new vendors or restaurants because now they’re having 2,000 people see and taste their food," said Ms. Hatt.
Those 2,000 people translated in jam-packed tents, with attendees flashing apologetic smiles at one another as they shouldered their way to the samples. The Black Dog Tavern was a popular table, but Jess Pasquale behind the booth had bigger plans for the night.
When asked what she was most looking forward to, she responded enthusiastically: “the dancing!”
Partygoers flocked to the dance floor later in the evening, singing along to the Vine Shakers, performing Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.
As the sun set, the multi-colored stage lights filled the tent with a festive glow.
Annika Jindoian has spent many summers on the Island, but it was her first time attending The Taste. Her favorite part was “being able to try all the local restaurants. There are some that I haven’t even heard of, and I’ve been coming to the Vineyard for a very long time now with my family,” she said.
Forty years into the Taste, Ms. Previd said she revels in how much the community embraces it.
“The Taste of the Vineyard is more than our biggest fundraiser of the year,” she said. “It is a celebration of the Island community and the historic places that bring us together.”
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