In 1994, more than 300 Islanders gathered to help raise the building that is now home to the Agricultural Society. Afterwards, the community gathered to celebrate with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish providing the music.
Without knowing it at the time, a tradition was born.
This year, the 32nd Annual Barn Raisers Ball takes place at the Agricultural Hall on Saturday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. as a celebration of that particular moment in Martha’s Vineyard’s history.
“It has a really wonderful tone of celebration and community,” said Laura Lynch, president of the Agricultural Society. “We’ll have fire pits and heaters outside, so you can have a cozy fall evening outside, or be in the barn, dancing the night away.”
The event is free to the public, but donations made to the Agricultural Society will be accepted at the door.
Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish will once again perform, as they have every year. The event also includes a dessert potluck and the Agricultural Society is encouraging people to bring in their finest sweets.
“There’s a really good mix of people that come to the Barn Raisers Ball,” said Ms. Lynch. “As we’re going into winter, I think everybody always wants something to look forward to.”
During the day, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., parents and their children can craft a replica barn using materials provided by the Agricultural Society. Entries will be displayed during the evening’s festivities.
For many Island children, the building and its surrounding fields are an extension of their backyards.
“They’re like a swarm of bees or something,” said Ms. Lynch. “They just kind of move in unison and it’s really nice. So, I think it’s the ultimate Islander event.”
Just as Taste of the Vineyard highlights the start of the summer season, the Barn Raisers Ball celebrates a seasonal shift.
“It’s kind of like a transition period too, because Thanksgiving is coming up, so it is sort of a transition into the holiday season,” said Ms. Lynch.
For more information, visit marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org.