Tomorrow is the fourth of July and what better place to celebrate America than here on Martha’s Vineyard, where you’ll find plenty of classic Americana holiday things to do.
Fourth of July Parade
Since Hurricane Arthur is heading our way, the Edgartown fourth of July parade will now be held on Saturday, July 5th. Better to be safe than sorry, since this is a big summer event for the whole Island, one of those multi-generational traditions for many.
Hopefully the switch won’t cause too many people to miss out. Now, if you are going to the parade, here are some helpful hints.
Carpool if possible, traffic into Edgartown is a bear on this day, even parking at the Triangle is packed. My suggestion is to come to town early, and spend the day shopping and dining, and then be ready to catch this classic, small town July 4th parade which begins at 5 p.m.
Get ready to smile for the mile of the parade. From the YMCA to classic cars to Island Spirit and the FARM Institute, you’ll be guaranteed to have fun.
Also, though not really allowed anymore, the candy is a nice bonus — but if you’re down on North Water Street, chances are you might not get any, since it’s usually all been tossed to the parade watchers by then.
Another way to spend time before, during and even after the parade is the 4th of July Barbecue at the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust’s Daniel Fisher House which has also switched to Saturday.
For $10, you can get some burgers and dogs, good ole fashioned American BBQ food, and enjoy the shade of the lawn, and have a view of the parade. Don’t forget to wear your red white and blue! The barbecue is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A Night Full of Music
Also now on Saturday, at 6 p.m., Good Night Louise is playing in the courtyard of the Eisenhaurer Gallery on North Water Street. Stop in the gallery and check out the art, then grab a drink from Chesca’s and maybe even do a little dancing.
Then maybe have dinner in town and catch the fireworks which start at 9 p.m at Edgartown Harbor.
For me even though, I love the parade. I like to watch the fireworks on State Beach. Sure it’s not where the action is but it’s so relaxed and it’s a nice view just the same. Also you can see some of Falmouth’s fireworks too.
For the Kids
Of course the parade in Edgartown is for kids of all ages, but for the younger ones, you might want to consider the 4th of July Kids Parade at the Tabernacle.
Kids grab their bikes or scooters or wagons and decorate them as patriotically as possible, don your red, white and blue, and you’re ready to walk in the parade.
For the parade, you line up on West Clinton Avenue (next to Alison Shaw’s gallery) at 9:30 a.m. and the parade starts at 10:00 a.m. The kids walk around the tabernacle, showing off their patriotism, and it’s such a cute parade.
Sadly, there is no rain date for this parade, but check of the MVCMA Facebook page for the latest updates.
Other Options for 4th of July
So with dates for the parade and fireworks changed, here are a couple of fun things you might be able to do on Friday.
You can see Linda Fairstein at Bunch of Grapes in Vineyard Haven at 3 p.m. She’ll be there discussing her new book, Terminal City. I have read all of her Alexandra Cooper novels, and can’t wait for this one too. I am a bit of a mystery book junkie.
If you’re in Vineyard Haven ,you might want to visit the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, which has recently re-opened its doors after a massive renovation, for the Rez Williams Exhibit. His notable paintings of fishing boats are some of my personal favorite, big, bold colors, simple yet interesting.
The exhibit is open daily until Thursday July 10th.
While at the Vineyard Playhouse, you might want to catch The Whaleship Essex at 7:30 p.m. This play is about the whaleship Essex, a true story of a ship sunk by a sperm whale.
I’ve heard great things about this play and hope to see it and the new Playhouse space.
Maybe you’re hoping for something a bit more classic and maybe even patriotic. Then you may want to see the Vineyard Haven Band in concert at the Old Whaling Church at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Dinner before or after can make for quite the evening.
Not feeling like planned events? Then come to Oak Bluffs on Saturday and just visit the shops and restaurant. OB is typically quiet since Edgartown is where a lot of the action is.
Try Beetlebung or 20 By Nine if you haven’t already, maybe go to Red Cat Kitchen for some fresh, creative bites, catch some music at Lola’s or a World Cup game at Coop deVille. There’s no shortage of things to do.
These are just a few things you can do for the 4th and 5th of July. No matter how you spend the holiday, you’re on Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s a great place to be. Sport the red, white, and blue and celebrate our great country.
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Also, special thanks for two of the great Edgartown 4th of July pics!