Yes, we spontaneously went to the Island fireworks show last night and of course we planned for it! If we don’t have the kitchen sink with us wherever we go, we just aren’t happy. This requires planning. ♥
August is the month for everything on the island; Illumination night, the Fireworks, and the Fair are all this week! I think we might skip the Fair this year, a person can only have so much fun, but last night, the pull to the fireworks was irresistible.
We packed a picnic: fried chicken (the secret to really crisp fried chicken, in case you don’t already know, is to soak it in milk for an hour before you dredge it in flour and fry it in oil–makes a huge difference!), coleslaw (with chunks of juicy pineapple), carrot and celery sticks, a blue mason jar of gin and tonics (with limes), sparkling water mixed with lemonade, a cutting board (can’t go without the cutting board) with cheese and apple slices, a box of Chilmark chocolates — no one is going to go hungry — plus our chairs, blankets, towels, jackets, and of course three cameras! (That’s where you come in.♥) So, off we go, brilliant Joe and his cart on wheels spontaneously getting ready to go to the park to meet our friends for the fireworks!
We trek the half-mile from our parking place through the narrow lanes under shady trees in the Campground, past all the little gingerbread cottages, over to Ocean Park, where the crowd is beginning to gather on the lawn around the bandstand. We find our perfect spot on little knoll, spread our blankets, greet our friends who come with their own kitchen sinks, including six pizzas, two ice chests, and lobster rolls! We are ready!
Us wise people of goodwill settle in to eat our picnic dinners and listen to the band as dark begins to fall and the excitement builds. The Oak Bluffs Fire Department puts these fireworks on every August for whoever wants to come. The “Grand Ladies,” the old Victorian houses you see in the background, have parties on every porch; they overlook the park, and the park overlooks the sea. Kids break open lightsticks and
♫ The Vineyard Haven Band plays the best old music, ♪ the same songs they’ve played for generations, ♪ It’s a Grand Old Flag and Yankee Doodle Dandy ♫ and so many more. The tradition is for the mom’s and dad’s to dance ’round and ’round the bandstand with their children (twirling their lightsticks as they go) as the “band plays on.” It’s a fun way to wait (forever) for the sun to go seriously down, the sky to go completely black, so the fireworks can begin. The kids are so excited, but so are the adults! Two, I know of, especially. ♥
And finally, at 9 pm, on a warm, balmy, windless evening next to the sea; you lean back in your chair, kick way back because the show has begun.
I could show you this better if Youtube was working for me this morning because I took some good videos…but since it isn’t…at least you are saved from the massive booms these “bombs bursting in air” were making! But what you’re missing are the ooohs and aaahs, the clapping, the screaming, the hooping, and appreciative yelling from the crowd. That’s the good part!
The light filled the sky above us.
Squealing and shrieking is occurring….I am sinking deeper into my chair from the attack of the big fireworks right over my head.
Which keep getting bigger; taking up the entire space of an eye, from one edge of your peripheral vision to the other!
Awesome!
The light from the fireworks reflects on the faces of the crowd in this massive shared experience of time-honored tradition . . . little kids will never forget it . . . .
It’s impossible to do justice to the finale with still photos. It was so wild I couldn’t even leave the camera on ’til the end, I had to turn it off in order to hide my face and scream. Joe said it felt like they were going to eat us! It did! They were so close! If Youtube comes up, I’ll add in a video of it later so you can see. I really think you will scream too. (Thereby proving I am not the weenie we all know I am, and normal, like you!)
After the adrenalin had settled down, we packed up and wheeled our cart back to the car under a huge yellow half-moon, and joined the long snaky trail of red tail lights winding along the shore to home. And that was it, another year in the life of the Oak Bluffs Fireworks on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. I hope you enjoyed our little trip. I love being able to take you along. Every day is not a holiday around here even though it must seem like it; it’s been a LUCKY week! ♥
WILLARD starts going out on Tuesday! Good surprises await you! Love you! Have a great weekend! Root beer floats anyone? Lay on a raft somewhere? Water, as in get in some? Life is short, eat dessert first . . . xoxo
P.S. Guess what, I just got access to youtube! (If you really want to know how it felt you would have to turn out all the lights, lay on your back, and put the computer screen about three inches from your face!)
Fireworks and a big moon in the summer are just the best, aren’t they? You captured it all perfectly, and I am reliving New England, the beaches ( way more better then where I live now 🙂 ), the celebration of summer!!!! Hope the rest of your weekend is as wonderful – and yes, from the times I visited MV, it is a holiday just about every day ♥♥♥ thanks again, Susan!!! Can’t wait for Willard!
p.s. the MV granola, the cherries and the honey are just the BOMB!!!! Yum ♥♥♥
Aren’t they delicious!? I found them years ago and finally thought I should tell everyone about them! Have you just poured those cherries over ice cream yet? Oooo la wee, as my girlfriend Lorrie would say.
Yes! Over vanilla ice cream ~ and once also sprinkled that with a small handful of MV granola ~ yum !!!
I was going to say how good the granola was on ice cream… that but was afraid you’d think I put everything on ice cream!
LOL ~ don’t be afraid ~ I do!!! 🙂 ♥♥♥ 🙂 LOL
A good vanilla ice cream can practically conquer the world!!! ♥♥♥ Your blog has me thinking to go get some root beer for Brown Cows tonight 🙂
Have you ever had fresh peaches over chocolate ice cream? My hubby’s favorite and now mine too!
No but we just pulled our peaches out of the bag where they’ve been ripening for two days, so I will!
You have a great way of sharing your life, Susan. Thank you.
Thank you S.B. for all you do for so many. Love all your books, calendars. everything, I have them all…at least I think I do. Love Willard, keep it going. Got my ‘SUMMER’ book out for Peach and Plum’ Crisp…and just got the ‘AUTUMN’ book out. Wish I could come see one of your shows some time, my friend and I just love what you do. Thank you,thank you. Enjoy Minnesota!..XOXO…P.C.
Susan These pictures are wonderful wow I love the painted Lady s, and the firer works!!! Just love it. Its nice to be able to go and see all these wonderful places and not have to leave home! Thanks for sharing
Thank you once again for sharing the fun! Wonderful!! I saw that the President is vacationing in your next of the woods, so I hope he and his family caught a glimpse of it all. With such exciting fireworks, it was good planning to take along the G&T’s for medicinal purposes.;)
Yes, must always be ready for emergency! Better safe than sorry!
Girl, remind me to picnic with you next time. It sounds like you brought a smorgasbord. YUM!
What an incredibly fun day! Your firework pictures are wonderful. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Joe is a very festive guy, it really helps!
Looks like you live on the island Albert Einstein was dreaming about. 🙂
xoxo
So far so good!
Bing bang BOOOOM! Fireworks and summer go hand in hand and what a beautiful spot. We have one of those handy carts and I’ll tell you they aren’t just for little old ladies,, we learned that fast,, its our new best friend and I ill have to tell my husband that he has compitition,, he considers himself thepro of packing the granny cart!! Thankyou for sharing this,,
Oh no, we consider it a wheel barrow!
Ohhhh!!Awwwww!!! Had to say that since I was not there. Hubs does not like to go the fireworks. I should rephrase that, he does not like the crowds that come with fireworks. Since all my girls have grown and moved on with their own families I do not think I have gone in years. Miss it a little sometimes but I do not like the boomers. Going to stay next weekend at a friends cottage on the lake with a group of women friends. So looking forward to it. Later in September going to NC with my best friend for the seafood festival. Her son-in-law is stationed there and I have been invited to go along for the visit. So after a summer of no beach time, because of the wedding we had in our yard, I get to wind down with some much wanted and missed beach time. Fun visit, thanks for sharing, looking forward to Willard.
What a fun week this has been!!!!! Thanks for taking us along.
Susan, thank you for taking us along! That was wonderful….like reading a great bedtime story! You have proven what they say…..”If you are lucky enough to live on Martha’s Vineyard, then you are lucky enough!!!!!!” Any Obama sightings?
No, but we do try to steer away, we’re always trying to get somewhere when we go out and all traffic comes to a complete halt when he’s going by, I feel bad he has to bring a huge entourage with him everywhere he goes!
Oh Susan..it does get better…smile! Thank you for taking us along…fireworks are one thing I miss. Have always loved them…just too hard to get to (For me….you know what I mean) so…once again you have made me happy with an exciting screech!!! Lol they were amazing!
<3 it!
Blessings!
xoxo Gert
Awesome, Susan! That does it! Now I’m determined to spend the two middle weeks of August on Martha’s Vineyard at some point in the future. Adding it to my “bucket list.”:-) Thank you so much for sharing Vineyard life with us. Can’t wait until Willard! xoxo
I love going to see the fireworks ! Ours are held in the small town of Port Burwell off of the shores of lake Erie off of the pier, we sit on the beach and watch them its awesome ! Fantastic post and photos loved the video ! Have a wonderful day !
Well, you had me nostalgic for summers gone by. Our long ago neighbors had a summer home within walking distance of this park and I had some great vacations “tagging along” with them. We used to walk everywhere: I felt I was in the campground when you described Illumination Night, used to cut through the houses there on my way back from the beach. Sounds like you are seeing summer off in a grand way this particular week, thanks so much for sharing it all with us. Now (hopefully I’ve beat the Saturday beach traffic) I am going to head down to the Cape for a little summer fun myself!
Thank you sooooooooo much, for taking us along!!!
Politics aside – how nice it would be for the Obama family to be able to spend some island time as you do, enjoying the people, the festivities, the sheer joy of being an American on a summer evening with worries put aside for a few hours.
Susan, thank you once again for a magical little get-away. I loved seeing/experiencing your fireworks. We just got back from the Black Hills and were expecting fireworks over Mt. Rushmore….they had a nice show but no fireworks so needless to say, we were a little disappointed. This made up for it! Thanks! Next best thing to being there!
Susan,
I have been a big fan of yours for a long time and just found your blog. I bet you get lots of invitations from your friends when it involves bringing food. I had to watch the fireworks video with earphones on because my dog is deathly afraid of thunder and fireworks. Way a great way to watch fireworks. Down here in Florida we never get that close.
P.S. – You have a lovely voice.
Susan..I know they all do that. I remember when President Bush flew into Sioux City..he had a separate aircraft just for his cars, I was dumbfounded! But that is how it is done! “smile”
hi susan…just loved the fireworks display and you captured it wonderfully…great break for me while doing the laundry!!!! : ) and you are so right about the children…a great memory made there….thanks for sharing…
♫”The Moon Belongs to Everyone The Best Things in Life are Free…”♫ Hello Sweet Sue… it’s Saturday Afternoon & I Just spent Time With Your Beautiful Blog then I called for Herbster & He came in & I Shared all Your Magic with Him…He is Smiling :-)…Oh How I L♥ve “Brilliant Joe” & His Cart on Wheels(Very Smart Idea!) ok Fried Chicken & Juicy Pineapple Coleslaw…omgggggg Yum! Herbster & I have Pulled up our Picnic Blanket next To Yours…Now please Pass that Blue Mason Jar filled with those Gin & Tonics with Limes 🙂 ahhhhhhhhhhh Nothing says Summer More Than a Scrumptious Picnic With You & Joe On Your Magical Island….& with Fireworks!!! Boom Boom Boom…Even Brighter than The Moon! Thank You Dear Friend for Sharing! xoxo Poof!♫♥♫♥♫♥ P.S. Herbster & His Brothers ALWAYS say…”Every Day’s a Holiday & Every Meal’s a Banquet”! Amen! 🙂
Sharing is caring:) Thanks for the share of a wonderful summer evening of fireworks at Oak Bluff. I love that place too…you make me want to rethink my vacation plans for next year! I must say, your blog is really like being there in person, you take us along on a wonderful journey every time. God Bless-
Jacqui
Thank you again so much Susan for sharing, you really make my day! You are sooo lucky but whats even better is I know you know how lucky you are and thats one of the reasons you share it all I’m sure! And for that am truely thankful because your blog makes my day! xxxx
Thank you for sharing…I’ve really enjoyed your posts this week. 🙂
AWESOME FIREWORKS!!!!!!!
Susan, I have to comment today. I am sooo loving your blog and reading it every time you post your gorgeous pictures and lovely words. What. A wonderful experience on MV. Reminds of fireworks we get to see over golf course at Fripp. Everyone arrives via golf cart and stakes a spot. Also Recently my daughter and I spent time the home of her college roommate. She had prepared a lovely picnic for our “garden crawl”. So happy to see younger generation hasn’t lost art of packing picnic. Looking forward to Willard ps love all your quotations, especially Einstein.
I LOVE FIREWORKS….it jusr never gets old…love, love, love it….great video. Gin and tonic…hmmmm….sounds so good….I think I’ll make one later.
It seems like you live in an unreal, perfect world…no wonder you’re so happy. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Thanks for sharing this great post.
It’s just the eye of the beholder, I’m sure. One too many gin and tonics or something. 🙂 If I had something to complain about, I don’t think I would do it here!
Hi Susan
Love love love fireworks!!! the best is when they do seem to be right on top you. They just seem so so close. Love that.
All that food sounds yummy, but all your food sounds yummy
happy day Susan
loved all the wonderful pictures
deezie
Hey there, Susan! Just got done meeting up all day with some members of my Stitch ‘N Club (at Lavender Cottage). There was about 8 of us from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Lots of talkin’, eatin’ and knittin’!! We had a great time. Thanks for sharing the fireworks. I am one of those unfortunate individuals that can’t get anywhere near real fireworks with getting an instant, intense (I call them “killer”) migraines. Something to do with the sonic boom??!! I was a pleasure to view yours without the pain. I love your type of picnics….been doing things like that for years (especially the G&Ts). Everyone, have a great weekend!!!
Hi Susan
Hi Susan
Haven’t been online in awhile….sure wish I lived in vineyard haven….and not because the
prez and his loved ones came to visit…but because it is life as it used to be.
PS…didja see The Help…thanks for recommending the book to me first.
Enjoy the rest of this month!!….Theresa
Susan, thank you for sharing your fireworks with us! The photos are lovely, but the video is the BOMB (as my students would say). The BOOMS were just fabulous…I always seem to be waiting for that great big one that is the heart stopper/window shaker crash to beat all others. We usually only have fireworks for Independence Day, so your post today put me in a great mood…my husband thanks you!
Susan, You have the BEST blog. The last 2 posts on Illumination Night and the Fireworks were wonderful. I am like a child each day waiting to see if there is a new post! Thank you so much for all you do to brighten my day! Do you know where those lanterns for Illumination Night are available? Some of them are works of art in themselves.
Some of them are really old; I’m not sure where to get them! I heard some of the homeowners saying they came with their houses! Thank you for nice words about the blog, I love doing it!
Love the video! I’ll have to show it to my students!
There were a lot of people there! How nice!
I’m excited to get my Willard. xo
I still have a smile on my face! Almost felt like I was really there….pass the chocolates please! Thanks so much for sharing. I enjoyed “our” trip!
LOVED the blog today – I am a Fireworks Freak – could watch them every day of the year!!! How in the world did your little island handle ALL those people and the ones on llumination nite also? Were most of them tourists?
Your pictures are always awesome – thanks so much for all the sharing!
Yes, it’s about 15,000 year-round people, but in the summer, it’s about 110,000!
Loved the fireworks photos! Haven’t watched the video yet–I’m waiting for Betti-the-schnauzer to go to bed with Fanny-the-schnauzer and Norm-the-husband as she is terrified of fireworks and firecrackers. 🙂 It was fun to see the pictures–brought back memories of when we were first married and lived in Winona, MN, and we would go to the 4th of July fireworks display in the park by Lake Winona. The booms would echo in the bluffs and the bursts of light were reflected on the surface of the lake…Our favorite coleslaw is cabbage cut up with pineapple, mandarin oranges, and craisins–think I’ll have to make some for dinner tomorrow. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂 And Joe, you ARE brilliant to think of using the cart for the picnic. Good idea!!! We “inherited” my mother’s cart and I think Norm thought it was just for seniors but now he can see what a wonderful item it is. No more aching arms by the time we cart stuff from the car to the picnic table or multiple trips back and forth!
You don’t need one more comment, but this and yesterday’s entry were too lovely to enjoy without telling you so. Please add my thanks to everyone else’s.
Always love knowing you’re out there! Thank you!
Wow was that fun! Loved every minute of this blog! Thank you! I wonder if MV tilts more into the sea when all of us girlfriends show up at once to join you in the festivities? ♥
This is a very good question! 🙂
LOVE it!! thank you, thank you!!!
Ditto to all the above comments! SB, you have no idea how many lives you are making brighter and happier by sharing your wonderful life with us! Thank-you! And thanks for the tip for crispy Fried Chicken! I can’t wait to try that!!!! Is that in one of your books? I’m collecting ALL of your books and I haven’t seen it in any of them. Did I miss it? Thanks again for sharing your fireworks and picnic!!!
It’s in Heart of the Home, the first book … page 99 — along with a recipe for cream gravy.
Gazebos, community band, picnics, and fireworks! It doesn’t get better than that. I really wish we all could’ve been there to enjoy it, but your pics and video are the next best thing!!
Marilyn (in Dallas)
Simply W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!!! Loved seeing the “Victorian Ladies” at the edge of the park, too. It all just looks so old-fashioned, small town Americana! Thanks Sooo much for sharing with us! So glad you were able to upload the video on Youtube! That was quite a Grand Finale!!
Thank you Susan for your daily photos….checking in on your blog gives me mini little “summer vacation moments” to my daily routine….and a big smile for the day. Bless you!!!
Awesome! What a great way to end the day. Once again, Thank you for sharing the pics and the video. You’re no weenie, I would have been ducking and screaming too. It was almost like you could reach out and touch them. Isn’t great to feel 10 years old again? Hope the rest of your weekend goes very well.
Thank you!
I love fireworks they make me teary, so American!! I love this blog too, I so look forward to every entry! Thank you!
P.S. We just finished off our Root Beer Floats…YUM!
What grand celebrations you’re having there at MV. I’d love all that singing-along.
Jody
It is my strong contention that the world would be happier if there was more singing!
Do you know, I totally agree! Maybe it is just me but it seems that a generation ago there was more singing. I’m not talking on TV or movies, and maybe that is the problem–we’ve let the boob-tube do too much entertaining! Maybe a generation ago they entertained themselves more! Ever noticed that if you’re in a “slump” and you put on a tape or the radio and sing along, it is uplifting?! Let’s start a campaign for more singing!!! 🙂
Susan, you really do live in paradise! Thanks for the update of your week; every picture and description was wonderful! I live vicariously through you as I would love to live in New England, especially on one of the islands. Thanks again for this view into your life on MV!
YOU me lady are enough spark for my world…lol. What a delightful soiree…
You always know when the seasons change her and a new pace comes upon us….we don’t have the fireworks yet, however the CNE ( Canadian National Exhibition ) opened and for the next 2 weeks, millions will be pouring in to see exhibits, eat fried everything and get ready for school…LOVE the fall, and loved your post…Thank YOU!
This is great!!! Thank you for sharing your fun night with us! I have my little grandson with me as this came up, and he was THRILLED to see the pictures, THEN the video came up….wow, he went crazy (so did I), of course he was asking all kinds of questions, and I told him my friend Susan took this where she lives, on an island, etc…he then sees the pic of all those viewing, and is looking for you! “Is that Susan, is that her?” !! Anyway, we loved the video and pics, I can hear you guys having a grand time (is that the Gin, or just the whole experience? lol) anyway, you guys are just the best for taking the time to video and take pics while you are trying to enjoy! The ultimate in multi-tasking for sure! Anyway, it was great, just like we were there! Thank you again Susan & co.
Wow! The places you take me! Thank you once again, for being who you are, where you are, and figuring out how to share this with us…it’s no small feat I know.
Where are we going next? Are we getting on the train? I’m so excited. And Willard is coming this week too? The abundance is thrilling!!!
xo
If you’re good, I’ll take you on the train! At least I’ll try. See if traveling computer world will let me. Yes, Willard starts going out on Tuesday!
Oh, that is home town living at it’s best! What a beautiful day you had and yes memories to last a life time (or at least until next year)!! Thank you for sharing.
Oh what fun!!! and a lovely tip on chicken frying up crisp. I will be trying that. I love fire works and the bigger the better – Love that you share all of the vineyard’s celebrations and so glad it is August. Judy C in NC is thinking of taking a train trip from NC to CO so may need some tips. LoL
oh how fun. thanks for taking us along.
It seems all the good comments have been taken so I’ll just add another “Thank You”.
I agree that you and your posts make the day better. It would be nice if someone from every state had a blog showing the world all the good and fun things happening in their little corner of the world.
Love the little cart – after some thought, I can imagine a lot of ways it would be handy.
I’ll be looking forward to the new Willard. Hope you have a wonderful week Susan!
It works when you go to flea markets too…that was what we got it for originally! Thank you Ginny!
You haven’t mentioned it …but have you seen President and his wife?
I now understand why they chose to come to MV in August..so much going on.:)
Haven’t yet; they usually drive by my house sometime or other, I can always tell when they’re coming because out of nowhere, suddenly a policeman stations himself outside my studio window, I hear his radio and know the president is coming. No spottings yet! I’ve been cooking and cleaning, so I might have missed him.
That was AMAZING! Thanks for sharing those fireworks and the beautiful M.V. Picnic sounds scrumptious! Makes me remember my Mom’s fried chicken and how she would always pack a big picnic to take along on vacation. Good to be spontaneous with proper planning, lol!
I’m not sure…. but I think I’m a SB ‘hoarder’. I don’t have just one of your books but two or three of the same ones. My question…. I bought the ‘Willard’ book so are you going to have ‘Willard’ TWO and THREE,etc.? and your fireworks were WOW!!
The firework show was spectacular!!! Thank you, Susan! I love reading your blog and thinking about the wonderful ways you spend your days on Martha’s Vineyard. On our way home after a glorious week at the beach (with four generations of our family!) my husband and I took a little detour through Arroyo Grande, had lunch at the Old Village Grill, and drove out to your old fruit stand which was flourishing with tall corn and other crops, and had handpainted signs advertising watermelon, peaches, plums, nectarines, mango cream pie, and mocha toffee cream pie! Just driving past and thinking about talking to you and Joe there filled me with such joy!
My hubby has to bring me to Martha’s Vineyard soon! I just sat here and tried to picture the porch parties going on in the background and all of the fun you were having sitting on your blankets! I could hear the band in my mind and was dancing around the grandstand with the rest of you! This is the good life!
WOWSERS! Glad to know that fireworks aren’t just for the 4th of July! I agree… the world would be a much happier place if we’d all sing, gather together just for the pleasure of being together, EAT fabulous food and throw in a gin and tonic or two! Didn’t see one unhappy face but heard lots of ooooing and aaaahhhhing! Life is grand! Blessings and happy smiles go to you and all the girlfriends 🙂 🙂 🙂 xoxoxox PS! Thanks for sharing the 3 cameras!! I always take two and get the evil eye.. looks like I need to get one more — you can never have too many pictures, right?!
Amazing! What wonderful photos! We have a park nearby that we enjoy! What a blessing! ♥
Fireworks really are spectacular! We never outgrow our love of watching them. Thanks for sharing another wonderful summer adventure. Fireworks always bring back happy memories. Thanks for your wonderful blog.
Oh, that was so much fun!
No fireworks in Taos, NM, because of forest fires this year … so your video brought a summer treat alive for me. THX. Never actually set foot on MV but your photos/videos transport me there each time I check the blog. LUV-LUV-Luvin’ it.
I know you know this quote, but it bears repeating here: God respects you when you work but he loves you when you sing [and dance!! – my add-on ❈ ]. Rabindranath Tagore
Yes he does! Sometimes we’re lucky enough to do both at once!
chilmark chocolates? i used to have a boss who gave them to his coworkers at christmas…..yummmmm! and your brownies look luscious! here in maine we have cookbooks by marjorie standish, a maine cook of renown, whose delish recipes continue to outlive her. her brownies look like your brownies and she also has a chocolate sheet cake recipe, way better than the brownies if you can believe it, but it makes a HUGE, decadent cake, way more than should be eaten, so we settle for the brownies….no hardship at all!