Martha’s Vineyard is as progressive and very eco-friendly as it is beach-filled and gorgeous. We’ve embraced the living local movement with gusto, many members of our community are actually leaders in the rally! All spring, summer and fall, the markets are filled with local produce, meats, art and music. The restaurants plan their menus around what island farms are harvesting. Even our grocery stores carry local goods.

And every fall, the Island Grown Initiative throws a massive festival to celebrate the Vineyard’s local community. The Living Local Harvest Fest runs this weekend, Oct. 2 & 3 and is “a rich program of free community events that aim to increase awareness and accelerate the uptake of sustainable living on Martha’s Vineyard.”

From food, live demos, panel discussions to a gorgeous market from local artisans, herbalists to energy specialists – this festival has it all. There are stories from the Wampanoags, kids activities, music and even community yoga. Everything can be found at the West Tisbury Ag Hall…I’ll meet you at the pie eating contest!

For the full schedule, please visit http://www.livinglocalharvestfest.org/

The ‘Ag Hall’ West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard

One of the many things that makes Martha’s Vineyard so special is the sense of community. People here are supportive and really know how to pull together. And one of the places that we see this evidenced is with the Vineyard Artisans.

Mission Statement

Since 1995 the mission of the Vineyard Artisan Festivals is to promote Island Art & Craft. It is a link between the Island community and the Arts, providing an opportunity for both new and established Island artisans to show and sell their work.

There are so many things I love about that mission statement, but most of all, that the festivals are extended to established and new artists. Because just because you’re new to showing your work, or young, or changing careers does not mean that you aren’t amazingly talented – and I love that everyone gets the chance.

That said, the festivals are always phenomenal! Set up both outside and inside the Grange Hall (the big holiday shows are in the Ag Hall – pictured above!) in West Tisbury, artists set up their wares, talk to visitors and, generally just have a great time. The highlight from this weekend’s first show? Toddler beds that are the exact replicas of the Steamship ferry boats – with working lights and horn! Totally amazing by Bill Moore!

The festivals feature jewelry, wampum, clothing, paintings, photography, weaving, glass and more. Not to be missed!

Here is this 2009 schedule!

One of the highlights of the summer on Martha’s Vineyard is the West Tisbury Agricultural Country Fair with Mid-Way sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society. Every August for four days (Thursday – Sunday), the fairgrounds host the classics at this real old-fashioned fair.

Kids and adults alike enjoy rides, games, shucking and fiddle contests, the skillet throw, horse pull, woodsmen competition, the fiber-arts tent and dog & livestock shows. There is no resisting the live music, puppet and dance shows…and, of course, the tournament of all tournaments – Cow Chip Bingo.

NOTE: Come to the fair hungry. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find: local restaurants have booths showcasing their best recipes, the MV Fire Departments grill hotdogs and burgers, local schools provide ice cream and there’s kettle corn, fresh lemonade and cotton candy galore.

The Ag Fair is just one of the many summer traditions on the island, making August a fantastic and event-filled time to visit Martha’s Vineyard.

Prices and dates for the annual Ag Fair can be found here.