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.