UPCOUNTRY FAIR, A 31-YEAR TRADITION
HOSTS MAUI 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW, RODEO, FARMERS MARKET
PANIOLO DISPLAYS, RIDES AND MORE FAMILY FUN
(Sat. June 11 and Sun. June 12 • 8am to 4pm)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAKAWAO, MAUI, HAWAI`I -- A 31-year tradition, the Upcountry Fair will take place on Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12, 2011 at the Oskie Rice Field & Arena on Olinda Road in Makawao. This year’s theme is Nana ‘Ike Kumu (Look to the Source), which celebrates the upcountry ranching and farming lifestyle that is unique to Maui while creating opportunities for Maui’s youth to develop an interest in agriculture, animal husbandry and ranching.
From 8 am to 4 pm on both days, the Upcountry Fair offers a wide array of activities, displays and events which appeal to families of all ages. A highlight of the fair is the Maui 4-H Livestock Association’s annual animal show and sale in which Maui’s youth present the farm animals they have raised for the year and offer them for sale at an auction.
Lyman Kuala‘au, Upcountry Fair Co-Chair stated, “The Upcountry Fair committee and myself are very proud of our 4-H youth in stepping forward and taking leadership this year, and forming the new 4-H Youth Board along with University of Hawai‘i’s University Cooperative Exchange, 4-H Leader Gary Heusel and Maui’s Harold Keyser, overseers of the 4-H ag projects. The education, knowledge and understanding that our 4-H kids are learning has groomed them well for their role in leadership of the 4-H Youth Board. Several of the kids are graduating from high school this year and we congratulate them. The 4-H kids are our future in ag and farming, and we look forward to the 4-H Youth Livestock Show and Auction this year.”
The ‘Ohana Ranch Rodeo will take place in the rodeo arena from 10 am to 4 pm each day. Upcountry ranching families come out to entertain the crowd and have a good time. Haleakala Ranch will present the Paniolo (Cowboy) Tent, featuring the Paniolo Hall of fame, which honors cowboy heroes from all over the islands dating from the late 1800s to the present. There are also displays of historical photos and antique saddles from Haleakala and Piiholo Ranches, Kaonoulu Ranch, ‘Ulupalakua Ranch, Hana Ranch and Kahuku Ranch from Hawai‘i Island. Western gear vendors from Maui will be selling their wares; there will be a Pie Eating Contest on Saturday and Hot Dog Eating Contest on Sunday. Keiki will enjoy the Stick Pony Rodeo and sack races.
In the Whole Foods Market Agricultural Tent, fair-goers can shop for Maui County Farm Bureau farm-fresh produce and plants. Maui Cattle Company hosts a professional Chefs’ Demonstration utilizing grass-fed beef on Saturday. Chef Justin Pardo of Market Fresh Bistro will begin at 9:30 am and Chef Tylun Pang of The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui will follow at 11 am. The Made-in-Hawai‘i Tent features all kinds of crafts and packaged foods, which are perfect for gift-giving.
Under the Keiki Boot Tent there will be lots of games, contests and prizes; Thompson Ranch will return with Horse Rides to everyone’s delight. Attendees can enjoy grazing on Maui style food, featuring BBQ chicken, beef and pork plates, lumpia, chow fun, salads, Indian dishes and desserts.
Haleakala Ranch’s Entertainment Tent presents Maui’s favorite performers, George Kahumoku Jr., Benny Uyetake, The Shamrocks and Jah Residentz on Saturday. Sunday entertainment continues with Uncle Richard Ho‘opi‘i and his ‘ohana, the Hawaiian Serenaders, ‘Ukulele Pops Band, Country Band and Marty Dread. Halau hula will also perform on stage each morning and Kathy “Tita” Collins will serve as M.C. on Saturday.
“The Upcountry Ag & Farm Fair is for everyone, so join us for one day or two and make sure you bring the whole family,” said Brenda Kuala‘au Upcountry Fair Co-Chair.
The Annual Upcountry Ag & Farm Fair is sponsored by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development; Tri-Isle Resource, Conservation and Development Council; Maui County Farm Bureau; Maui Cattle Company; Haleakala Ranch; Maui 4-H Livestock Association; Whole Foods Market; Maui Soda & Ice Works, Ltd and Roselani Ice Cream.
For more information, call Brenda Kuala‘au at 808-870-9031 or email upcountryfair@gmail.com. The Upcountry Fair’s mission is to protect, promote and perpetuate agriculture, farming and ranching on the island of Maui. Visit www.upcountryfairmaui.com
