In May of 1994, nearly 40 Islanders traveled to New Hampshire to take down a 1905 dairy barn and bring it back to the Island. Then, in November of that year, hundreds of Islanders helped raise the Agricultural Hall in its current location on Panhandle Road. The annual Barn Raisers’ Ball is not just a nod to the past, though. It is also a celebration of the present — the community, the season, food, friendship and, of course, dancing.

At this year’s ball a donation jar joined the dessert buffet. The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society, which owns the hall, is experiencing a financial shortfall and needs help. A full crowd was on hand Saturday to dance to the beat of Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish and support the Agricultural Society.