The birds of the winged trees flying my name Above the farms and the white horses I rose in rainy autumn And walked abroad in a shower of all my days. – Dylan Thomas
The Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair is one of the highlights of summer on the Island. With roots tracing back to the 1850s, the four-day affair celebrates the Vineyard's agricultural past and has entertained generations.
On the Midway thrill-seekers line up for rides on the Zipper while others take a turn on the Ferris wheel or try out a carnival game. Over in the Agricultural Hall Islanders share their talents and fruits of their labors as prize-winning jams, cookies, fruits and vegetables share space with handmade quilts, artwork, and other crafts.
Surprises are always in store at the livestock barn, from newborn piglets nestled with mama pig to draft horses, friendly goats, and an array of beloved chickens and other birds. Oxen nibble grass outside, near dog herding demonstrations, and alpacas are a popular attraction amid the activity in the fiber tent. Meanwhile crowds gather to watch the skillet and axe throwing competitions, the horse pull, the woodsmen's competition, and the dog show. The swimming pigs are perennial favorites. Live music and puppet shows entertain the crowds that settle down for a break, and a snack of tempura, lemonade, a hamburger, pie, funnel cake or cotton candy (or all of the above). And at the end of the day lights from the rides fill the dark summer sky.
See you at the fair.
From ferris wheel to Ag Hall, midway to the performance ring, fair is center of action for four days every August. – Peter SimonAll roads have led the Agricultural Fair since 1858. – Peter SimonThe action continues day and night. – Alison L. MeadFun for everyone on the midway. – Maria ThibodeauPrize-winning quilts, cakes, cucumbers and works of art are on display in the Ag Hall. – Alison L. MeadCandy apple wishes and cotton candy dreams. – Ivy AsheNew friends are made at the fair. – Alison L. MeadVincent Maciel is up in the air for woodsman’s competition. – Jeanna ShepardAll aboard the Zipper. – Maria ThibodeauRibbons of all colors for tomatoes of all colors. – Alison L. MeadChickens and children. – Anthony EspositoSwimming pigs are always a hit. – Ivy AsheWhere it all happens: the Agricultural Hall. – Ray EwingSunset behind the ever-popular tempura stand. – Ivy AsheSlide offers fun for all, especially youngest fairgoers. – Ray EwingKara Shemeth winds up for skillet throw. – Ivy AsheThree dogs, one frisbee. – Ivy AsheAxe throw requires strength and skill. – Ray EwingAll smiles on the ferris wheel. – Maria ThibodeauDraft horse draws a crowd. – Ivy AsheA wealth of surprises are on display in the hall. – Ivy AsheSweet moments between friends of all species. – Maria ThibodeauCharlie Uhlendorf of Washington D.C. and Clare Mone of West Tisbury with Pee-Wee the frog. – Ivy AsheEvery swing is full. – Jeanna ShepardRibbons and high praise for Russell the chicken. – Ivy AsheOld fair posters are collectors items and reminders of the past. – Jeanna ShepardCars may fill fair parking loat, but horse-drawn carriages are still common sight. – Timothy JohnsonMidway lights up summer nights. – Mark Lovewell
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