After being diligent and careful for nearly 8 months due to the pandemic, islanders are gearing up for another protracted period of mask wearing, hand washing, physical separation and vigilance. The island had a very low incidence of COVID cases this summer but there have been three recent spikes this fall, all of which have been, to date, effectively contact traced and contained.
Nantucket has many beloved traditions in the fall and winter, many of which have been (we are tiring of this word) REIMAGINED. The annual Halloween Parade on Main Street has gone virtual, the Cranberry Harvest Festival is on hold until next year and the Christmas Stroll has also been postponed until next year. People are pulling together to do their best to engage community members and to keep these traditions alive.
The NHA’s Festival of Wreaths and Trees will be happening but without the large social events. Folks can view the wreaths and trees on-line or in person with some planning. Many of our fine restaurants are open for a few more weeks. No matter what, we are still able to enjoy the farms and hikes and walks across the island (being careful of hunting season rules). Family scalloping season has begun and the Whaling Museum offers community and family activities. The Nantucket Lighthouse School is holding their Yuletide Fair on-line and in pop-up shops and the Nantucket Atheneum’s Cold Turkey Plunge will be happening virtually this year. We remain grateful for the work that has gone into making sure that these beloved events endure.