Sweet 16 Traditions

Celebrating the fair

Armer or heiress, toddler or teen, Island native or day-tripper, you’re likely to be one of nearly thirty thousand to attend what promises to be a very special Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair, the 150th anniversary of this time-honored Island tradition. “Timeless Traditions,” this year’s theme, serves as recognition of the fair’s longevity. The event will be launched with a parade on Tuesday, August 16, followed by the usual four-day schedule of activities and contests Thursday through Sunday, August 18 to 21, at the Agricultural Hall and fairgrounds in West Tisbury. While many might view the Vineyard as a summer destination linked with the excesses of the rich and famous, they obviously have not attended the much-beloved Ag Fair. With events like Cow Chip Bingo, Judging of Cattle and Swine, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, and music by the Slippery Sneakers Zydeco Band, the Ag Fair may be a tribute to a time gone by, but it is a time that remains zealously protected by generations of down-to-earth Island folk. Men, women, and children of all ages participate in everything from baking double-crusted pies to long-distance skillet throwing, from growing the perfect giant pumpkin to harnessing the strongest ox. The Ag Fair lures hundreds of Island families to begin planning months ahead, honing their skills for the fleeting four days of festivities. The fair offers arcade games, rides, and delectable foods, including such guilty pleasures as cotton candy, onion rings, and fried dough, as well as the chance to admire the well-groomed livestock and handiwork of others. Raised on Flat Point Farm in West Tisbury, Eleanor Neubert comes from a long line of farmers and Ag Fair enthusiasts. Her late father was president of the Agricultural Society for many years and served on the board of trustees, so it was no surprise when the fair needed a new manager in 1984, Eleanor succumbed to the pleading. Twenty-seven years later, she makes the quantum task of coordinating roughly 250 volunteers and staff members look as easy as pie. “The first three years were the hardest thing I had to do in my life,” she recollects. “And it’s even bigger now.” The toughest challenge, Eleanor admits, is finding the time for twelve months of Ag Fair planning along with her other commitments.

Sweet 16 Birthday Ideas: How to select the camera

Well the grand entrance is self explanatory. If you’ve ever seen any of MTV’s Episodes of “My Super SWeet Sixteen”, this is where the girl’s go out of their way to enter the party with a big bang.

The sweet 16 candle ceremony is a tradition where the birthday girl lights a candle for someone special. She lights up 16 candles for 16 people and tells each of them why they are special.

The shoe ceremony is when the father or father figure carries a pair of high heel shoes to the birthday girl, and places them on her feet. This symbolizes the father excepting her growing up.

The tiara ceremony is essentially the same as a shoe ceremony, just this time the father figure places a tiara or crown on top of the birthday girls head traditionally. You don’t need to do all of these traditions at your sweet 16, but it is nice to know a bit about each. This way you have choices!

The father daughter dance is once again pretty self explanatory. The father gets the first dance with the birthday girl, and know body else should be on the dance floor at this time. The song played should be a special and meaningful one.

Things You Can Do

Hiring a DJ. . . Did you want the birthday girl to have extra special memories? You can hire a photographer to give the gals and pals a special photo shoot. This is especially good for Hollywood and fashionista sweet 16 themes.

Where to Get the Decorations

I have always personally found joke shops to be excellent places to find awesome and unique decorations.

But in all honesty, you can find all of your decorating needs at your local dollar store, Walmart or even party supply shop. Not to mention looking for little treasures online! rolex quality replica watches It’s very easy to decorate once you have decided on your sweet 16 theme.

Hope these sweet 16 birthday ideas help you out along the way. Happy birthday and enjoy planning the party!

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