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ag fair
August 13, 2026
The view from the Hall A glimpse into the story behind the Agricultural Fair's 2026 poster contest winner.
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COURTESY SYDNEY SMITH
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he fair poster winner for the 2026 season is Sydney Smith’s “Fair Views from the Hall.” Smith is an ICU social worker at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, and worked at Giordano’s Pizza during high school and college. Program and Outreach Manager Lucy Grinnan interviewed Smith. When she asked Smith how she felt about her poster being chosen, she said, “I’m feeling so excited and honored that my design was chosen for this year’s fair! I look forward to the fair every summer, and to be a bigger part of this year is really meaningful to me.” Smith shared that the first thing she does every year at the fair is walk through the Ag Hall to see all the artwork, food, and flowers on display. “On a sunny day, the light through the windows almost
On a sunny day, the light through the windows almost makes the flowers glow; I tried to capture that a little bit.
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1 Floaters 2 Florawear 3 Strawberry Shortcake 4 Lil Bites 5 Pure Corn 6 Bowen’s Arrow 7 Tuck and Holand 8 Cozy’s Last Stand 9 Poppies-French Fries 10 West Tisbury Fire Department 11 Andrea’s Brew MV 12 Poppies Lemonade 13 Smokey Mountain Kettle Korn 14 Solar café 15 Sweet Bites
16 Poppies Fried Dough 17 Goldies Rotisserie 18 Island Spray 19 Bon Appetit 20Yommi 21 MV Tick 22 Purple Island Books 23 Cutco 24 Island Q 25 MVAS T-Shirts 26 Majalehn 27 Leslie & Michael 28 MVY Radio 29 Food Truck 30 Kassalty Toys 31 South Pole Slushy 32 Churrasco Grego Kebab
33 Chef Deon 34 Yem Vegan 35 Reunion Pizza 36 Cat Boat Coffee 37 Mad Martha’s 38 Twin Beaks Fried Chicken 39 Island Autism 40 All Juice No Cups 41 Island Alpaca 42 Charter school 43 Native Spirits 44 Vaalbara 45 Archil Designs 46 Can You Dig It? 47 MVTV 48 Lagoon Pond Association
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AUG 13-16, 2026
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makes the flowers glow; I tried to capture that a little bit. And the 4-H kids are so cool — I get a kick out of seeing them show off their connection with the animals and just have fun at the fair, so I really wanted to include that.” Smith says that what she loves the most about the fair is the energy: “Excitement, joy, nostalgia, and community connection! It beautifully showcases the talent, hard work, creativity, and the community’s connection to the Island in a way that has something for everyone at every age. I especially love seeing the incredible quilts, baked goods, artwork, flower arrangements, beautiful produce, and other handmade and homegrown creations on display. I think the beauty of Martha’s Vineyard inspires creation, and the fair provides a really special place for people to share their creative talents.”
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Baby central
Show ring Parking
Carnival and rides
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Mini fair
Bus stop ATM Information & Volunteer Booth Trash, Compost & Recycling Bathrooms
Entrance and ticket booth
Lost and Found Police First Aid Booth Water Refill Station
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ag fair C3
August 13, 2026
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tarting on August 13 through August 17, the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair will present Islanders with a mix of old and new, a return to the past and a nod to the future. The Ferris wheel will make its much-anticipated return, alongside thrilling new rides like Top Gun and the Pharoah’s Fury. After a 50-year hiatus, Fiesta Shows, the largest traveling amusement provider in New England, rekindled its historic relationship with the Agricultural Society last summer. E.J. Dean Fiesta, the third-generation family business owner of Fiesta Shows, has been working for the company since he was a young teenager picking up shifts at Salisbury Beach. Our Agricultural Fair is widely beloved, evidenced by the many volunteers who return enthusiastically each year and the support it provides for the Agricultural Society. “It’s not just a put-together and slap-together aspect,” Fiesta says, “it’s a first-class event.” Fiesta’s role is to oversee the preparation that goes into the rides, food, and games that more than 30,000 people enjoy each summer. Last year, Island residents were disappointed by the absence of the beloved Ferris wheel. Fiesta explains that “we weren’t able to, based on the timing of it,” and promises that they know it is “an iconic piece on the grounds.” He also adds that there will be a few exciting new additions to this year’s lineup, “one being the Pharaoh’s Fury, which is a big swinging ship.” The Top Gun will also be new this year, a maximum-intensity ride, promising to be popular among teenage crowds. “I think the most thrilling ride … will either be the Top Gun or the Zipper,” Fiesta notes. “Both are on the extreme side of the list.” There are also exciting rides for the nonthrill-seeker, including the “Frog Hopper that hasn’t been there before.” The carousel and the Ferris wheel are always popular among young children and families, along with the slide, “because who doesn’t like to go down the slide?” In line with the inclusivity that is reflected in the fair’s many activities, Fiesta says, “we operate our rides to entertain from 6 months old to 99 years old.” The heart of the fair, Fiesta believes, is the work of the Agricultural Society board and its volunteers, who are “extremely dedicated not only to the mission of the fair but to setting a high standard for the patrons to enjoy.” Organizers begin coordinating the previous December, and months of work lead up to the final result that Vineyard residents and visitors anticipate. This effort is made clear every year by the uniqueness of the fair’s many charms, including the chopstick knitting competition and the women’s skillet toss. “It’s really topnotch … but it all stems and derives from the passion that the volunteers have for the fair. You can see their love for it, and their care for it,” says Fiesta. “They are really great stewards of preserving that history and heritage.” There are many steps that go into carrying the equipment on and off the Island. “The Steamship Authority does a phenomenal job of organizing and assisting us,” Fiesta says. The Steamship has to carefully decide whether everything from food trucks to Ferris wheels and game booths can travel to the Island by boat safely.
Welcome back, Ferris wheel
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Both Fiesta and the ferry staff are committed to ensuring Islanders can relish their favorite way to send off the summer. It’s difficult to guarantee that all will run smoothly, but, says Fiesta, [“We do all of it on paper ahead of time, and they live it live as we go.”] Fiesta commends Steamship Authority staff for being cooperative when plans unexpectedly fall through. “Overall, it runs very smoothly. We had a couple minor hiccups …. But that’s where I praise the Steamship Authority.” Fiesta says they are “on it as fast as they can.” Fiesta Shows is not only in charge of the rides, it also provides the archetypal amusement park snacks. Fiesta shares that there will be ice cream, lemonades, hot dogs, and other foods perfect to be enjoyed before the stomach-dropping Zipper. “Popularity-wise, cotton candy, and fried dough are unique, because it’s best fresh as opposed to any other way of getting it.” He adds that these particular delicacies cannot be enjoyed “in a tub that’s been made weeks in advance, or if it was frozen and thawed.” These special treats “stand out because of their freshness,” and are “not something
And other highlights of Fiesta Shows. BY EMERSON LUZZATTO
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PHOTOS 1, 3, 4: COURTESY FIESTA SHOWS; 2, 5, 6, 7: NICHOLAS VUKOTA
1. Pharaoh's Fury makes its debut. 2. Setting up the Cliffhanger. 3. Fiesta's most thrilling ride: The Top Gun. 4. The Ferris wheel's long-awaited return. 5. No fair without a carousel. 6. Saddle up! 7. Iconic Pirates Revenge.
The carousel and the Ferris wheel are always popular among young children and families, along with the slide, “because who doesn’t like to go down the slide?” anyone can just make at home easily.” For the first time in decades, the Agricultural Fair will take place during the second full weekend of August, kicking off on Thursday, August 13. It’s unclear whether this date change will lead to a more crowded Agricultural Hall, but this partnership promises exciting future changes to the fair. To ensure the ability to try out every ride available, Fiesta Shows includes unlimited ride passes to prepurchase online. Fairgoers are able to purchase wristbands for $70 to access the fairgrounds Thursday through Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, and until 6 pm on Sunday. Friday night offers $50 unlimited ride wristbands from 5 to 10 pm. Fiesta concluded, “Sometimes it’s grandparents with grandchildren, or just friends coming to have a fun day or eat an interesting food.” It is the mission of Fiesta Shows to cater to the broad audience that attends the fair each year. “We take that mission very seriously,” said Fiesta. “When people come to a fair, and certainly when they go on rides, they want to let their guard down and kind of enjoy the thrills, with the mindset that someone is making sure that it’s being done properly and safely. People are coming to have a good time, and it’s our job to ensure to the best of our abilities that goal that is met.”
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ag fair
August 13, 2026
(**preregistration required)
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Aug 13 · Cattle Day
Aug 14 · Horse Day
Aug 15 · Farm Machinery Day
Aug 16 · Dog Show Day
The Fair is open from 10 am to 11 pm. Carnival opens at 11 am. Hall opens in the afternoon after judging is complete. Fiber and Education Tent close at 5, Barns at 9, Hall at 10 pm.
The Fair is open from 10 am to 11 pm. Carnival opens at 11 am. Fiber Tent closes at 5, Barns at 9, Hall at 10 pm.
The Fair is open from 10 am to 11 pm. Carnival opens at 11 am. Fiber Tent closes at 5, Barns at 9, Hall at 10 pm.
The Fair is open from 10 am to 6 pm*. Carnival Opens at 11 am. Fiber Tent, Education Tent, Barns, and Hall close at 5 pm.
CONTESTS
*Registered dog show participants can enter at 9:30 am. ONLY dogs registered for the dog show by Friday evening are permitted on this day!
CONTESTS
**11 am: Draft Horse Halter Class (Pulling Ring)
CONTESTS
**11 am: Ox Teamsters Challenge obstacle course (Pulling Ring) **2 pm: Youth Ox Pull and Lightweight Ox Pull (Pulling Ring) 3 pm: Chopstick Knitting Competition (Fiber Tent) 4 pm: Sack Races (By Show Ring) **4 pm: Heavyweight Ox Pull (Pulling Ring) 7 pm: Rubber Chicken Toss (By the Show Ring)
**1 pm: Draft Horse Pulling Contest (Pulling Ring) 2 pm: Kids Corn Husking Competition (Behind Hall) 3 pm: Chopstick Knitting Competition (Fiber Tent) 3 pm: Pet Show (Music Tent)
ANIMAL EVENTS 10 am: Judging of Miniature Equine (Animal Barn) 10:30 am: Judging of Cattle (Animal Barn) 11 am: Farm Animal Meet and Greet (In Front of Animal Barn) 11 am: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 11:30 am: Judging of Swine (Animal Barn) 1 pm: Judging of Rabbits (Animal Barn) 1 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 2 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 2 pm: Judging of Llamas & Alpacas (Animal Barn) 3 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 3:30 pm: 4-H Fit and Showmanship (In Front of Animal Barn) 5 pm: Sheepdog Demonstrations (Show Ring)
ANIMAL EVENTS 10:15 am: 4-H Opening Day Parade (Animal Barn) 10:30 am: Parade of Oxen (Pulling Ring) 10:30 am: Sheepdog Demonstrations (Show Ring) 11 am: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 1 pm: 4-H Teamster Showcase and Demo (Show Ring) 1 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 2 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 3 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 5 pm: Goat Show and Judging of Goats (In Front of Animal Barn) 6 pm: Youth Cattle Show – Beef and Dairy (Show Ring) 6:30 pm: Youth Sheep Show (In Front of Animal Barn)
FAMILY EDUCATION 10 am–5 pm: Grow Zone All-Ages Scavenger Hunts (Education Tent) 10 am–5 pm: Mini Fair (Under the Trees by the Show Ring) 11 am: How to make a T-Shirt Quilt with Anna Marie – all ages (Fiber Tent) 1 pm: History of Natural Dyeing with Norah Van Riper (Fiber Tent) 2:30–4:30 pm: Fair Poster Signing with Artist Sydney Smith (Merch Booth)
FAMILY EDUCATION 10 am–5 pm: Grow Zone All-Ages Scavenger Hunts (Education Tent) 10 am–5 pm: Mini Fair (Under the Trees by the Show Ring) 11 am: Upcycle T-Shirt Tote Bag with Anna Marie – all ages (Fiber Tent) 1 pm: Finger Knitting with Allen Farm (Fiber Tent) 3–5 pm: Fair Poster Signing with Artist Sydney Smith (Merch Booth)
MUSIC 10:30–11:30 am: Roberta Kirn (Music Tent) 12–1 pm: Sarah Shaw Dawson & Friends (Music Tent) 1:30–2:30 pm: The Big Kids (Music Tent) 4:30–6 pm: The Peter Halperin Band (Music Tent) 6 PM: Upis Land Marching Band (Roaming) 6:30–8 pm: Missus Biskis (Music Tent) 6:30–8 pm: Tristan Israel (Front Porch) 8:30–10 pm: Dock Dance Band (Music Tent)
MUSIC 12:30–2 pm: Blue Yonder (Music Tent) 2:30–4 pm: The Roundabouts (Music Tent) 6:30–8 pm: The Jon Bates Band (Music Tent) 6:30–8 pm: Flying Elbows (Front Porch) 8:30–10 pm: Dock Street Fight Club (Music Tent)
**10 am–5 pm: Antique Tractor Pull (Behind Pulling Ring) **11 am: Woodsman’s Competition – all day (Pulling Ring) 11 am: Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull (Next to Show Ring) 3 pm: Shucking Competition (Music Tent) 5 pm: Sack Races (Show Ring) **5:30 pm: Mini Excavator Competition (Pulling Ring) 5:30 pm: Tug-O-War Competition (Show Ring) 3:30 pm: 4-H Animal/Handler Costume Contest (Show Ring)
ANIMAL EVENTS 11 am: Shearing Demos (Next to Fiber Tent) 11 am: Farm Animal Meet and Greet (In Front of Animal Barn) 1 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 2 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 3 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent)
FAMILY EDUCATION 10 am–5 pm: Grow Zone All-Ages Scavenger Hunts (Education Tent) 10 am–5 pm: Mini Fair (Under the Trees by the Show Ring) 11 am–1 pm: Fair Poster Signing with Artist Sydney Smith (Merch Booth) 3–4 pm: Touch-a-Tractor (Pulling Ring)
MUSIC 10:30–11:30 am: Beacon of Hope Choir (Music Tent) 12:30–1:30 pm: Offshore Blues Band (Music Tent) 4–5:30 pm: Beach Plum Jam (Front Porch) 4:30–6 pm: The Andrew Sue Wing Band (Music Tent) 6:30–8 pm: Dave Willis and the Down Island Band (Music Tent) 6:30–8 pm: Mark Lovewell and Molly Conole (Front Porch) 8:30–10 pm: Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish (Music Tent)
CONTESTS
**9:30 am: Dog Show Check-in Starts (By Pulling Ring) **10 am: Dog Show (Pulling Ring) **11 am–5 pm: Cornhole Summer Showdown (Next to Show Ring) **2 pm: 4-H Animal/Handler Talent Show (Show Ring) 3 pm: Chopstick Knitting Competition (Fiber Tent) **3 pm: Women’s Skillet Toss (Pulling Ring)
ANIMAL EVENTS 11 am: Shearing Demos (Next to Fiber Tent) 11 am: Farm Animal Meet and Greet (In Front of Animal Barn) **11 am: MV Horse Council Demo Dressage Musical Freestyle (Show Ring) **11:20 am: MV Horse Council Demo Icelandic Horses (Show Ring) **11:40 am: MV Horse Council Demo - Driving Demonstration with Percherons (Show Ring) **12 pm: MV Horse Council Demo – Obstacles (Show Ring) 1 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 2 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 3 pm: Shearing Demo (Next to Fiber Tent) 4 pm: Barn Closing Parade (Animal Barn)
FAMILY EDUCATION 10 am–5 pm: Grow Zone All-Ages Scavenger Hunts (Education Tent) 10 am–5 pm: Mini Fair (Under the Trees by the Show Ring) 11 am: Crumb Quilting with Anna Marie (Fiber Tent) 11 am–1 pm: Fair Poster Signing with Artist Sydney Smith (Merch Booth) 3 pm: Watermelon Seed Counting Party with the MV Community Seed Library (Education Tent)
MUSIC 12–1 pm 4 Him (Music Tent) 2–3:30 pm: Alaska Fogg (Front Porch)
ADULT (13 to 61): $15 CHILDREN 5 to 12: $10 SENIOR 62 and up: $10 VETERANS: $10 CHILDREN 4 and under: FREE
NOTE: Tickets do not include parking ($10 per car), and carnival tickets are sold separately via the carnival provider.
MV TIMES
ROBIN GOTTESMAN
ADMISSION FEES
Stay connected to Martha’s Vineyard
Join The MV Times and make the pledge to support independent local journalism. Choose any of our three tiers of membership, and become a valued part of our community-supported news organization. Each level includes an opt-in to receive the weekly print edition and/or access to our daily online coverage.
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$100 per year
TO SIGN UP: SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT MVTIMES.COM/MEMBERSHIP
Real news for real Islanders.
Advocate
$250 per year
A courtesy publication produced by The Martha's Vineyard Times