The Harvest Festival at the Ag Hall provided a sunny, fun, and music-filled day. The sounds of fiddles filled the barn, accompanied by great rock music outside, all mixed with the squeals of delighted children.
There were pumpkins, sack races, and a hayride with the wagon pulled by the beautiful Chilmark the Ox. Various booths offered an array of vegetables, gifts, information, and tasty snacks. A large table was set up where visitors could gather seeds, with a hopeful promise that the seasons would continue to rotate and that Spring awaits.
Games were plentiful, and I’m proud to announce that the pie-eating contest was won by none other than Aquinnah’s own Tillie Taylor. All in all, it was a wonderful day of community celebration.
As October winds down, we look ahead to Halloween. Out here in Aquinnah, where houses are scattered, this holiday calls for leagues of parents, relatives, or friends to pile costumed children into vehicles for a drive up and down long driveways in search of treats. Charley and I are always delighted to welcome the lucky kids whose grown-ups find their way to us and our bowl of candies.
We never know exactly how many will come, but those who arrive never fail to delight us. If you leave a lit pumpkin at the head of your driveway to indicate you are home on Halloween night, maybe you’ll be visited by some costumed munchkins yourself!
November begins with the Vineyard Conservation Society’s Beach BeFrienders annual Aquinnah Cleanup on Saturday, November 1. Starting at 8 a.m., you can check in with a host to pick up bags and gloves at Lobsterville, Philbin, or Squibnocket Pond Reservation (parking at 4 Moshup Trail). You’re also welcome to bring your own bags and gloves if you have them.
After collecting trash from the beach, bring your haul to the Aquinnah firehouse by 10 a.m. for a fun trash tally. Participants can then head to Menemsha Fish Market for some complimentary chowder. Should the weather be rainy, the event will move to Sunday, November 2.
With recent nor’easters and sou’westers delivering plenty of marine debris, your help is greatly needed.
On Sunday, November 2, from 3 to 7 p.m., join us at the Ag Hall for a memorial celebration honoring the life and spirit of our wonderful Gabbi Camilleri. This will be a potluck gathering, so please bring a dish to share. If you have a funny story or happy memory of Gabbi that you’d like to share, bring that along as well.
Gabbi’s work touched us all in one way or another. Her spirit lit up my life, that’s for sure. I miss her fiercely and am grateful for this opportunity to express my gratitude.
Sunday is also the Day of the Dead, a Mexican and Central American holiday when it is said that loved ones emerge from the afterlife to visit and reunite with their families here on Earth. I have no doubt Gabbi’s spirit will be with us at the Ag Hall—smiling, singing, and encouraging us all to love one another.
Don’t forget that daylight saving time ends on November 2. Be sure to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.
This week’s birthdays include the beautiful and beloved Carla Cuch on October 31 and Nanawusuwee Vanderhoop Powell on November 5.
Wishing everyone a joyful and safe season ahead!
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