First Place Jewelry: Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair
Fruit & Flower Bounty Necklace Wins First Place at Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair
Attending the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair has been a beloved tradition for me ever since I first set foot on the island as a teenager. Every late summer, I carve out a day—or sometimes an evening—to head up-island and wander through our charming, farm-filled fair. Over the years, my favorite activities have evolved, but the fair itself has remained a highlight of my summer, full of familiar sights, smells, and sounds that make the island feel like home.
As a teen and young adult, I was fascinated by the skillet toss and lumberjack contests, marveling at the strength and skill on display. When my daughter was little, our favorites shifted to the dog show, the piglet races, and those tiny, twirling kiddie rides that spun with laughter and delight. She would squeal with joy while petting the gentle ponies and watch in awe as a mother hog carefully tended her cluster of tiny, wriggling piglets. Friends and family often enter chickens, bunnies, goats, and other farm animals, and it’s always a thrill to see them up close, each creature proudly strutting its stuff and adding to the lively, colorful spectacle of the fair.
And of course, no trip to the fair is complete without indulging in the over-the-top food offerings. Some of my favorites over the years have been the Firemen’s Stand burgers, always juicy and satisfying, and the classic fried dough that tastes just as magical at any age. Between bites, you can wander through the smells of sizzling sausages, fresh pies, and sweet treats from local vendors—one of the joys of the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair is savoring all the flavors that make the fair feel so special.
As my daughter grew, we found joy in family rides on the giant Ferris wheel and watching her bounce on the acrobatic trampoline. While the fast rides have never been our thing, we try them from time to time for a little thrill. And there’s always live music—local bands, fiddlers, and sometimes even a touch of comedy—to add a festive soundtrack to the day.
Ferris wheel at the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair!
Family photo from the fair
But my favorite part has always been wandering the exhibit hall. From homemade jams and jellies to the island’s largest squash, and from beautifully arranged flower bouquets to intricate pies and cookies, the displays are a feast for the eyes (and, if you’re patient, for your imagination!). And then there’s the arts and crafts, where islanders of all ages showcase photography, paintings, fiber arts, pottery, quilts, mosaics, and Martha’s Vineyard artisan jewelry. I can easily spend hours marveling at all the ways creativity comes to life on the island.
This year, for the first time, I decided to step into the hall as an entrant. I submitted a handmade, one-of-a-kind statement necklace in the commercial jewelry category—“commercial” because I sell my work professionally. My design started as an over-the-top floral piece I’d recently created for the Featherstone Center for the Arts “Art of Flowers” show, but I took it one step further, adding pops of fruit and a tiny ladybug for a playful, whimsical touch.
Grapes, lemons, green apples, and strawberries are paired with bright flowers.
The result? My Flower & Fruit Bounty Necklace—a joyful celebration of summer, gardens, and a little bit of magic. This piece combines roses, hibiscus, daisies, asters, and ivy with hand-crafted strawberries, lemons, peaches, oranges, and a tiny, charming ladybug, arranged in a lively, unexpected composition. Each element reflects a story, from the special flower beads I discovered near Prague to the playful energy I wanted to capture for the fair.
To my delight—and a little disbelief—I was awarded first place in the commercial beaded jewelry category, making me an Agricultural Fair winner on Martha’s Vineyard! Holding that ribbon and seeing my necklace on display alongside the incredible creativity of other Vineyard artisans was an unforgettable moment.
With its cascade of flowers and playful fruit, the necklace feels like carrying a little summer garden wherever you go. It’s bold, cheerful, and full of personality—perfect for brightening any day or sparking a conversation at the fair (or anywhere else you might wear it!).
Entering the fair was such a special experience, and winning first place was a reminder of how rewarding it is to share award-winning handmade jewelry with the world. It’s also inspired me to continue exploring playful, vibrant designs—pieces that capture a moment, a mood, or simply the joy of a Martha’s Vineyard summer.