COURTESY OF HAWAII FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
A country market full of fresh island produce is among the many attractions at the Hawaii State Farm Fair.
Farm Fair offers
fun for all ages
The 31st annual Hawaii State Farm Fair opens today with rides and games, plus exhibits, tasty samplings, sales of island-grown produce and other items harvested by local farmers statewide, and a Nissan Hawaii new car display. Other main attractions awaiting fairgoers are Meadow Gold's Exotic Petting Zoo with a zebra, kangaroo, camel, water buffalo, and other creatures; the Country Market; a 4-H livestock display; and an orchid and plant sale.
The Country Market will also showcase a "Giant Pumpkin Contest" on July 25, open to all residents. Pumpkins will be judged on weight, and owners of the five largest pumpkins will receive cash prizes ranging from $50 to $500.
Beginning next Friday, fairgoers can take in the hilarious show of hypnotist Tony Angelo, who often gets volunteers to sing or act like they belong in a farm yard.
There will also be several free demonstrations, workshops and seminars on agricultural topics including raising tropical fish and lei making. Here's this weekend's schedule:
Hawaii State Farm Fair
Where: Aloha StadiumWhen: 6 p.m. to midnight Thursdays and Fridays, and noon to midnight Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 3
Admission: $3 for adults, $1.50 for ages 5 to 11, and free for under 5
Call: Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, 848-2074
Today
$15 Wristband good for unlimited rides 6 p.m. to midnight
>> 6 to 9 p.m.: 4-H swine and beef showmanship and show, Main Arena.
>> 6:30 p.m.: Dendrobium lei making with Jean Takemoto, Aloha Tent Learning Center; repeats at 8 p.m.
>> 7 p.m.: Chef demonstration and sampling, Aloha Tent
Saturday
$15 Wristband good for unlimited rides noon to 6 p.m.
>> Noon to 2:30 p.m.: 4-H market lamb and dairy heifer showmanship and show, Main Arena
>> Noon to 5 p.m.: Keiki Experience, Aloha Tent Learning Center
>> 2:30 p.m.: Pig judging
>> 5:30 p.m.: 4-H livestock parade, Main Arena; repeats at 6 p.m.
>> 6 p.m.: Food eating contest with Great Prizes, Aloha Tent
>> 6:30 p.m.: Succulent and cactus basic culture (hands on): Ron Fitch, Cactus & Succulent Society of Hawaii, Aloha Tent Learning Center
>> 7 p.m.: Chef demonstration and sampling, Aloha Tent
>> 8:30 p.m.: Water lilies for tubs and ponds with Kevin Mulkern, Mulkern Landscaping, Aloha Tent Learning Center
Sunday
Free 2-pound bag of Diamond G Rice awaits first 500 families
>> 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Win a Nissan in I-94's Hit the Jackpot, Aloha Tent
>> Noon to 5 p.m.: World of Bugs keiki experience with the University of Hawaii Entomology Department, Aloha Tent Learning Center
>> 5 p.m.: Aloha Dalire's Keolaulani Halau 'Olapa O Laka, Main Arena
>> 6 p.m.: Food eating contest, Aloha Tent
>> 6:30 p.m.: Haku lei making (hands on) with Joyce Spoehr, Honolulu Botanical Gardens, Aloha Tent Learning Center
>> 7 p.m.: Chef cooking demo and sampling, Aloha Tent
>> 7 p.m.: Keahiwai concert, Main Arena
>> 8 p.m.: Ornamental aquarium fish care with David Yoshishige, Honolulu Aquarium Society, Aloha Tent Learning Center
>> 9 p.m.: Simplisity concert, Main Arena
Click for online
calendars and events.
