The Season's Here
Memorial Day weekend has a longstanding reputation as the kick-off to the summer season on Martha's Vineyard. Almost as soon as the wind shifts and early summer blossoms, the influx of summer tourism and the return of seasonal residents changes the Vineyard's pace. Artists set up their easels street-side, capturing landscapes or blooming hydrangeas. Bike paths lead the way for beach-bound explorers, and wedding bells ring at local churches.
Some argue that summer officially begins at the first sign of childhood entrepreneurial enterprises -- the local lemonade stands. But one thing on which Vineyarders and visitors agree is that starting Memorial Day weekend, the Island is in full-swing. Businesses, new & established, are open for business, proffering warm greetings and bright smiles. Event calendars overflow with exciting activities.
The season is upon us. Here are a few quotes from locals regarding what they best appreciate about Memorial Day Weekend.
What locals think
MVOL webmaster Celine Segel expresses that Memorial Day weekend is the "first time of the year that I feel I can really enjoy the beauty of Martha's Vineyard and feel so fortunate to live here."
Anticipating everything summer, Mona Rosenthal looks forward to "fresh caught stripers on the grill and finally turning off the heat." Buying new cushions for patio furniture is also on the agenda, but the Rosenthal family looks forward to "Outerland filling up with happy, writhing, booty-shaking patrons."
The Martha's Vineyard Film Society's Richard Paradise states "As long as I can remember, Memorial Day weekend has always meant the beginning of the summer season (my favorite season). I look forward to being outside, perhaps at a picnic with family and friends. I also try to be respectful of Memorial Day and remember my father who fought in WWII by flying the American flag."
Megan Sokolowki, fondly recalls childhood Memorial Days spent with "friends and family, picnicing or barbecuing and just spending as much time outdoors as the weather would allow." Now, "getting together with friends, eating great food and playing outdoor games," is what she looks forward to most.
