Silly string coated Main street Saturday night as the Tisbury Street Fair brought music, local vendors, food and flocks of people to Vineyard Haven for the annual town birthday party.
Store owners and musicians lined the streets, and people came from across the Island to experience a lively summer evening focused on local businesses.
Emily Burrows, owner of Valabra Supply, has sold her handmade bags at the fair for over a decade. Having started her shop at the Chilmark Flea Market 12 years ago, she now has a storefront in Edgartown.
“We keep doing the fair because it’s kind of the way we started out,” she said. “I traveled the world with my shop selling at flea markets.”
Ms. Burrows is accompanied by her family every year. While she manages the stand, her children enjoy mingling with the crowds on Main street.
Knox, Ms. Burrows’ seven-year-old son, said his favorite part is playing with the silly string.
The Vineyard Committee on Hunger set up a table to collect donations and sell fliers and calendars.
“We’ve been doing this for quite a few years, and the need on the Island is only growing,” Jeri Dentzig said. “We’re doing everything we can to help combat food insecurity on the Island.”
Tenzin Sonam, whose family owns Rinpo on Main street, stood at a table outside his storefront. The store carries items from India and Nepal, including hemp hats, textile goods and henna ink, all of which were on display.
Tisbury firefighter’s association kept the grill going.
— Ray Ewing
“We’ve had a really good night,” Mr. Sonam said. “Kids really like the henna pens.”
Alongside the henna stand, there was also face painting — evidenced by the whimsical rainbow being painted across Emma Cekala’s face as she described her evening.
“I love everything,” she said. “Especially the glow sticks.”
Emma’s mother, Jamie Cekala, shared her daughter’s excitement. The family missed last year’s street fair and were thrilled to be back.
“It’s such a good time,” Ms. Cekala said.
Heather Wolfenden enjoys some commerce and community.
— Ray Ewing
Mike Kelly’s daughter sold sweatshirts at the fair last year. Returning from Newton, his summer, Mr. Kelly had his eye on one vendor in particular.
“My favorite part is the Jamaican food,” he said. “My daughter was next to them last year and I couldn’t get enough. The people are nice and the food is unbelievable.”
Patrick Rolston, deputy chief of Tisbury Fire Department, noted that the evening was a big success.
“Everything’s been good,” he said. “It’s great for people to come to Tisbury and see all the stores.”
