The Pied Piper, the Falmouth to Edgartown ferry, will make its last run of the season on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. On that day, it will run on the Sunday schedule. Last trip out of Edgartown will be at 6:15 p.m.
The U.S. Coast Guard will inspect the Chappy Ferry vessels on Wednesday, Sept. 2. At the moment, all that is certain is that the inspectors will be here midmorning. These are the annual in-the-water inspections focusing on emergency procedures and equipment. One ferryboat at a time is taken out of service, while the current Coast Guard inspection protocols are carried out. Though the inconvenience rarely lasts more than an hour, expect a delay that morning. Keep an eye out for updates on the signs posted at the ferry ramps and alerts on the Chappy Ferry website. On the sparkling new website, you can sign up for email and text alerts regarding the ferry operation.
This year the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby runs from Sunday, Sept. 13 through Saturday, Oct. 17. The day after the derby ends or thereabouts, weather permitting, the ON TIME II will make the voyage to Vineyard Haven for its biennial haul-out for maintenance and Coast Guard hull inspection. The duration of the haul-out is unknown until the ferryboat can be examined out of the water. The ON TIME III, the longer of the two vessels, will be handling all of the ferry traffic alone while the other is away. With the longer vessel remaining in service, waiting lines are less impacted as that ferry usually carries 3 vehicles. Nonetheless, if you have a project this fall that involves lots of trips on the ferry, try to get it done before the Derby ends.
Potlucks at the Chappy Community Center will resume on Wednesday, Sept. 16 and thereafter on the third Wednesday of every month except in December when the Captains Appreciation dinner is celebrated on Dec. 9. Please bring your favorite dish to serve 8. Dinner is from 6-8 p.m. Take a look at the CCC online store. Lots of Chappy oriented gifts and books by Island authors.
The next household hazardous materials collection will be on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the MV Refuse District across the road from the big airport. The MVRD website has full details about which hazardous items are accepted during regular daily operation. You will be surprised at what is considered hazardous and how easy it is to dispose of it properly.
This article appears in August 28, 2026.