Well, it sure has felt like summer. It’s hot and crowded everywhere. The activity at the Agricultural Hall is at a fever pitch preparing for the fair. Some college students have just begun to leave as many universities open for the fall semester in two weeks. Before the end of the month, a significant amount of summer traffic and visitors will begin to head in the other direction as the summer season slowly begins winding down for another year. Illumination night is on Wednesday, the fair begins on Thursday and the Oak Bluffs fireworks are next Friday.

Sig Van Raan reports on family activities at his place: they recently celebrated their wedding anniversary with an evening at the Outermost Inn followed by a visit to Baltimore to spend time with the new grandchild. This past week they were visited by Phil Karber and Joellen Lambiotti, old friends from Cambridge. His daughter Sofia is due this weekend and son Jackson arrives the following week after eight months in Israel.

Judy Randall of Fairfax, Va. is here visiting Phyllis Meras. They attended her brother Jon’s 30th wedding anniversary on Wednesday.

Fran and Allan Kaufman, of Plum Bush Point, have been busy with house guests and entertaining. Guests have come over from England, France and the Netherlands. They are hosting their daughter and family from Australia this week. Fran reports they are enjoying the lovely weather at the beach almost daily.

Tara Whiting, town clerk, reports that absentee ballots are available at the town hall. The primary date is September 4. There are ballots for democrat, republican and libertarian. If you are registered in one of those parties, you MUST take that ballot. If you are registered as unenrolled or registered in another political designation, you may choose any ballot. The last day to register to vote or change your registration is on Wednesday by 8 p.m.

Leon Braithwaite reports that the MV Democratic Council will meet tomorrow morning from 9 until 10:30 a.m. at the Howes House.

The First Congregational Church’s eighth annual peach festival is tomorrow from noon to 4 p.m. For more information call 508-693-2842.

Ashley Medowski is having her annual art show and reception tomorrow from 5 to 8 p.m. at her gallery at 367 Lambert’s Cove Road. This year’s show is Birds, Fish, Boats and Barns.

The 157th annual Agricultural Fair begins Thursday and runs until Sunday evening. They are now accepting entry forms and will until Monday at 5pm. You can drop your entry forms in the box on the front porch of the hall, mail, or fax them in. The 18th annual fiber tent exhibition will have demonstrations daily. Mary Ruth reports that there will be sheep shearing demonstrations daily as well. The Cushing Carnival will again offer a special price for the rides if you purchase a wristband on Friday night. Sally asks that you not bring your dog to the fair unless they are in the dog show.

The Vineyard Transit Authority will extend bus service to include the fair on routes 2, 4 and 6. The 8 bus will run express service from Edgartown to the Fair. A complete bus schedule will be posted on the front porch of the hall. If you choose to bring your automobile, there will be two parking lots available; one operated by the society and the firemen and the other by the Whiting family.

Olivia Larsen, over at the library, reports that Friday at 4 p.m., you are invited to Clair de Lune: Music of Debussy, Fauré and Hahn, a recital with soprano Olivia de Geoffrey and pianist Adele Dreyer. On Wednesday, at 4 p.m., David Barton Smith will present the documentary, The Power to Heal: Medicare and the Civil Rights Revolution. After the film, there will be a panel discussion.

Happy birthday to Jim Prichard, Drik Lowe, David Webster and Henry Kirwin Friday; Chuck Cotnoir, Clare Harrington, Linda Powers and Diana Waring Saturday; Sam Stevenson, Eric Turkington, Susan Fieldsmith, Joe Schroeder and Amelia Smith on Sunday; Peter Rodegast, Leslie Sterns, Frank Ferro, Vickie Crowley and Andrew Salzman on Monday; Bea Whiting, Mark Hutker, Vanessa Czarnecki, Nancy Polucci and Sarah Catchpole on Tuesday; Bill Hoff, Catherine Fuller and Bob Huebscher on Wednesday; Nick Van Nes and Katherine Long on Thursday. Belated birthday wishes to Colleen Morris.

Well, that is all of the social news for this week’s column. If you have any news please call or e-mail me. See you at the fair. Have a great week.

West Tisbury news can be sent to alleys@vineyard.net.