Maui County Agricultural Festival relaunches as Maui AgFest & 4H Fair
Families won’t want to miss the “12th annual Maui County Agricultural Festival,” Maui’s signature event to raise awareness while invigorating Maui agriculture. Previously held in April at Maui Tropical Plantation, this year’s AgFest will take place on June 1 at War Memorial Complex with a new partner, the Maui 4-H Youth Livestock organization. The event is renamed – “Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair”.
“We’re excited to relaunch AgFest with a new name, new venue and new partner,” said Warren K. Watanabe, executive director, Maui County Farm Bureau. “We had a successful time at Maui Tropical Plantation and we’re grateful for our 10 years there. This year we return to the place where AgFest started in 2007, at the War Memorial Special Events Arena.”
Maiu AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair will continue to be the time for the entire ag industry, its allies, and supporters to come together to share what each group does for the collective good of agriculture in the County, and to showcase agriculture’s vital role in the economy, environment, and lifestyle of Maui. Hosted by the Maui County Farm Bureau (MCFB) and Maui 4-H Youth Livestock organization in partnership with the County of Maui’s Office of Economic Development, generous sponsors and industry allies, here is the opportunity to learn about agricultural issues and their impact on our day-to-day lives. Event hours are 8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; FREE admission and $5 for parking. There are two ticketed events during AgFest. The first is the “Maui Legacy Pancake Breakfast” from 8 am – 10:30 am. It’s time to honor those who have contributed greatly to Maui’s agricultural industry. The second event is the “Grand Taste” which features 12 chef stations serving edibles focused on one ingredient that’s Grown on Maui. Tickets on sale for both after April 20 via Eventbrite.com
The big, new attraction this year centers on the role and importance of livestock on the farm. Throughout the day, Maui 4-H Youth Livestock organization will have a large tent featuring Maui born and raised livestock by its members. They will hold a livestock show and auction. Check the schedule for exact times. The general public is invited to see the animals – pigs, sheep and cattle – and the youth who raised them.
One of the big highlights this year is the expanded “Keiki Zone” complete with bouncers, farm games, magic shows, face painters, and family-friendly food. Expanding on activities for the whole family, check out the hands on activity station by Haleakala Ranch’s Conservation Division and the livestock exhibit by Makani Olu Ranch.
http://www.mauicountyfarmbureau.org/
Festival highlights:
- Grown on Maui Chefs Collaboration Dinner – Thursday, May 30. Tickets on sale after April 20 via eventbrite.com
- Grand Taste shines the spotlight on Maui’s famed regional cuisine based on locally grown produce. Ticket required and available after April 20 via eventbrite.com
- Grown on Maui Farmers Market – meet farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs
- Keiki Zone – check the schedule for magic show times.
- Lei Making – make fresh flower lei with Jeanna Teixeira of J. Tex Farms.
- Localicious – food booths and food trucks offer localicious edibles from 8 – 5 pm.
- Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast – 8 am – 10:30 am; ticket required.
- Meet Ag Experts – the team from College of Tropical Ag & human Resources CTAHR led ag education along with Maui’s non-profit and state, county and federal agricultural agencies.
- AgFest is going Zero Waste with Maui Huliau Foundation! mauihuliaufoundation.org Help us by separating your trash at the Zero Waste stations throughout the event.
