The TBA created the first Island Information Center at the SSA pier in Vineyard Haven. First we made over an old building. In 1994 we worked with the SSA to build a new kiosk. A few years ago the Chamber of Commerce took over the Island Information Center. This is where our visitors first find out where they are and how to find your business.

In 1996 the TBA created and installed the Island visitors map at the Steamship Authority terminal. One side represents the bike trails and the towns across the Island. The other side is a map of Vineyard Haven, directing visitors to businesses on Main Street, Beach Road, and State Road.

Each year the TBA publishes a user-friendly map of Tisbury showing the location of all member businesses. The map is distributed at the Information Booth and the Chamber of Commerce, on tour buses, at inns and local businesses, and in Woods Hole.

Celebrating the magic of Christmas
For several years the TBA has supported holiday events in town. The horse and wagon rides through the village are enjoyed by Islanders and visitors, both young and old, paid for by the TBA.

IMany years ago the TBA put white lights on the Linden Tree. We encouraged downtown businesses to decorate in white lights, outlining the buildings as well as using white lights in the window displays. The Festival of Lights draws the attention of many Islanders in the bleak winter season. It also welcomes arriving passengers on the ferry with a veritable fairyland of sparkling lights.

For fifteen years the TBA has brought Santa to the Island to meet with little children. He appears by magic on the ferry (it is deer season, so he has to leave the sleigh at home). He gives each child a cookie. The cookies, made by the Regional High School students in the Culinary Arts Program, are paid for by the TBA.

The TBA arranged for the Tisbury Department of Public Works to line Main Street with small Christmas trees. These are decorated with red bows by the TBA. Some of the trees are also decorated by children in the town. Each year the TBA puts on the Tisbury Chowder Contest with all income going to the Red Stocking Fund. This draws people into town to shop for the holiday season as well as to taste remarkable chowders created by Island chefs.