MV Ag Fair Special Awards

Winning a blue ribbon is amazing. Winning one of the MV Agricultural Fair's Special Awards is even more exciting and, well, special.

Here is a list of the Special Awards State Ribbons: One awarded for the best inside and two for the best outside exhibits

Sunnyside Farm Award $50

In memory of Philip W. Spalding

For that boy or girl whose exhibits show the highest degree of interest in agriculture. To be judged on quality, quantity and year-round participation in agriculture of the exhibitor.

Whiting Award $100

Presented in memory of Mrs. Emma Mayhew Whiting, by her grandchildren – Danny, Allen and Prudy. This prize will be awarded as an additional premium for that regular exhibit which typifies to an unusual extent, the traditional way of life of this island community which meant so much to Mrs. Whiting.

Wight Award $10

Presented in memory of Frank B. “Pop” Wight – Treasurer and Custodian M.V.A.S., 1950 – 1954. For the exhibition in the Youth’s Department showing careful planning, genuine interest and painstaking preparation.

Whiting Award $100

Given in memory of William Bradford Whiting. This prize will be given to that child who shows outstanding originality and artistic promise

Fern and Feather (Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary)

Best photographer of Natural History Subject. Adult Black & White $10; Child Color or Black & White $10

Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club Founder’s Awards 2 Juniors $25 each

An arrangement of Vineyard Vegetation, judged for originality and thoughtfulness, given in memory of Mrs. T.M.R. Meikleham, founder and first president. No plant in conservation list is to be used.

Hal Goldsmith Award $15

Given in memory of Hal Goldsmith by his family. Most outstanding home grown vegetable.

Mildred Spalding Award

Presented by Susan Silva. Interest and ability in preserving. Junior $25; Senior $25

Lois Watkins Award $10

In memory of Lois Watkins for the most original quilt pattern. Given by her family.

Neumann Award $25 – Junior Division

In memory of John Peter and Christopher Swing Neumann for the most expressive photograph of endangered or rare wildflower (must be properly identified). It must not have been picked or disturbed.

Judith Krieger Gardner Award $25

Given in memory of Judith Krieger Gardner by her children. This prize will be awarded for the piece of children’s art which most clearly exhibits the creative spirit Judy encouraged.

Special Award $10

Given in memory of Kathleen Sullivan by Maria Moody. To be given to an exhibit showing originality in the Needlework Department.

Special Award $50

Given in memory of Michael Wild by Ginny Jones and family. Person or group whose project or display shows an unusual sensitivity to the need to conserve the Island resources

Doll Club Awards Special Award $20

In memory of Frances Young. To be given by her family to a Junior Doll exhibitor.

Special Award $10

Given in memory of Joseph Howes by Ginny Jones and family. “Best Display of Gladiolas”

In Memory of Kathleen Brady

Awarded to the Adult and Junior showing originality and creativity in the Handicraft of Needlework Department. Adult $10; Junior $10

Special Award $15

For the most creative fiber-art/needle craft entry in Department 112. Given in memory of Lydia Howes Drew by Ginny Jones and family.

Martha’s Vineyard Art Association Awards

To be given for outstanding artwork. Adult $25; Junior $25

Roland T. Phillips Award $10

Outstanding craftsmanship for their age (Junior Departments). Given in memory of Roland T. Phillips

Special Awards in memory of Emma T. Parker

The following awards ($25 each) to be given each year in memory of Emma T. Parker by her family:

1)   For the girl or boy who exhibits the Rhode Island Red Hen judged to be best overall

2)   For the girl or boy who exhibits the Rhode Island Red Rooster judged to be best overall

3)   For the girl or boy who exhibits the Bantam Hen judged to be best overall

4)   For the girl or boy who exhibits the Bantam Rooster judged to be best overall

The Barbara Lazarus Award

For traditional baking. Given in memory of Barbara Lazarus by her family to honor the  “moistest and richest” brownies prepared without nuts. Adult $10; Junior $10.

In Memory of Eleanor Sanger $10

For a girl with a creative vision. Given by Victoria Phillips

In Memory of Robert Riger $10

For vision in photo journalism. Given by Victoria Phillips

Ray Houle Award $30

Given in memory by the Houle family. Awarded to that boy or girl for the most outstanding vegetable.

Myra Houle Award $30

Given in memory by the Houle family. Awarded to that boy or girl for best overall flower arrangement.

Special Award $50

Given in memory of one of the T.W.I. founders, June Cronig Kapell, by the Tisbury Waterways, Inc. Presented for best exhibit whose display or project shows dedication and need to conserve our land and/or waterway’s natural resources.

Edward Brodney Award $50

Given in memory of Edward Brodney, prominent Boston artist for an outstanding, creative perspective of Martha’s Vineyard by his M.V. family: sister, Betty Feldma; niece, Midge Jacobs; nephew, Andrew Jacobs.

Barbara Cotterill Photo Award

Given in memory of Barbara Cotterill for Best Photo representing MVAS Fair of Vineyard subject. Adult $20; Junior $20

Jane Newhall Award $10

Given in memory by the MV Agricultural Society to the boy or girl who shows the most overall dedication to livestock