This weekend's Ultimate Farmers Market offers city folk a chance to meet up with farm life, without having to drive on any dirt roads. Get a closer look
at isle farm lifeStar-Bulletin
The two-day event, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Hawaii Kai Towne Center, is a fund-raiser for the Oahu Farm Bureau, designed as a showcase for the many ways farming touches our lives.
"We want people to understand the goodness and freshness of local products," says organizer Charlene Takemoto. "We want them to go the stores and ask, 'Is this local?' We want the stores to know local produce has value."
The event offers a chance to visit with farm animals, sample and purchase fresh produce, buy plants and study agricultural exhibits so you can practice farming at home. If you're already gardening, but not too successfully, the University of Hawaii's Plant Doctor will tell you what you're doing wrong.
Several Oahu chefs will be paired with local farmers, offering dishes made with the farmer's produce. Expect samplings from 3660 on the Rise, Alan Wong's Restaurant, Chai's Island Bistro, L'Uraku, Mariposa, Outback Steakhouse, Padovani's Restaurant, Roy's Restaurant, Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Side Street Inn and more.
"More than ever, Hawaii's farmers need our community support and an increased awareness about Hawaii's farm-fresh produce," Takemoto says.
Demonstration schedule:
Saturday
9:30 a.m.: How to Grow and Graft Hibiscus Plants
11 a.m.: What is Manoa Lettuce?
12:30 p.m.: Nalo Greens!
2 p.m.: What are Local Papaya Varieties?
Sunday
9:30 a.m.: All About Local Watercress
11 a.m.: What is a Vine-Ripened Tomato?
12:30 p.m.: How to Grow Water Lilies
2 p.m.: How to Grow Orchids, Dendrobiums and Cattelyas
Click for online
calendars and events.
