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File photo
Kids chomp down during a watermelon-eating
contest at last year's farm fair.

State Farm Fair has
something for everyone

Bright lights and carnival rides might be your first impression of the Hawaii State Farm Fair, but never forget that the point of this event is to celebrate the local agriculture industry. This means food.

Central to the Farm Fair is the Country Market, where you can pick up plants and locally grown produce at bargain prices. Get an education, too -- study displays on the growing of macadamia nuts, coffee and taro. For the hungry, there also will be samplings of foods made with Hawaii-grown products.

Also, check out these demonstrations and eating contests:

Friday: "What a Shrimp! Cooking with Hawaii's Farm-Raised Shrimp," chefs Ahi and Bulla, Ahi's Restaurant, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday: Banana-eating contest ($200 first prize), 2:30 p.m.; "Banana-riffic Desserts," Sam Choy, 7:15 p.m.

Sunday: "Culture and Growing of Herbs," Dean Okimoto, Nalo Farms, 6:30 p.m.; "Moi, Oh Moi!" chefs Colin Nishida and Don Maruyama, Side Street Inn and Fort Street Bar and Grill, 7:15 p.m.

Monday: "Grafting Fruit Trees in Your Garden," Frank Sekiya, Frankie's Nursery, 8 p.m.

Tuesday: "Maui No Ka Oi! Cooking with Maui Onions," Lynn Lee, Kitchen Connections, 7:15 p.m.

Aug. 2: "Chocolate Indulgence Contest," 7:15 p.m.

Aug. 3: "Bee-utiful World of Honey Making," Michael Cliks, Hawaii Beekeepers Association, 7:15 p.m.; "Vegetable Growing in Containers," Mark Takemoto, Dole Plantation, 8 p.m.

Aug. 4: "Dr. Shintani's Hawaii Diet," Dr. Terry Shintani and chefs from Zippy's, 7:15 p.m.

Aug. 5: Watermelon-eating contest ($200 first prize), 2 p.m.; "You Like Beef? Cooking with Beef," Robert Miller, Waikiki Parc Hotel, 7:15 p.m.

The farm fair runs Friday through Aug. 6 at Aloha Stadium. Hours are 6 p.m. to midnight weekdays and 11 a.m. to midnight weekends. Admission is $2.50; $1.50 for children. Call 848-2074.

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calendars and events.