The 32nd Upcountry 4-H Ag & Farm Fair, a weekend of music, ‘ono food, games, exhibits, a rodeo–and the makings of great memories–will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oskie Rice Field & Arena on Olinda Road above Makawao. This year, the fair will honor Maui’s paniolo with a “Keeping the Spirit Alive” theme.
In partnership with Upcountry Fair, the Maui 4-H Livestock Association, a nonprofit organization specializing in youth and agriculture, will present its 2012 4-H Livestock Show & Auction beginning at 8 a.m., on Saturday, when 4-H members will show their goats, lambs, market hogs and beef steers. The auction begins at 1 p.m.
4-H projects and activities help youth develop life skills through livestock projects in which they take on the responsibilities of feeding, managing and exhibiting their animals. Students acquire knowledge and skills in selection, production, processing and marketing, which will help them establish future careers.
4-H members’ efforts culminate in the Maui 4-H Livestock Show, which provides opportunities for them to gain experience in showmanship and judging of an animal while practicing leadership and program planning skills.
Cooperative support from the business community and public agencies make these events possible. By purchasing an animal, your business can help a 4-H member meet the objectives of his or her livestock project and encourage him or her to become a responsible, productive individual.
The annual Upcountry Fair Ranch Play Day features the ‘Ohana Ranch Rodeo, which spotlights the ranching community’s paniolo heritage with two action-packed days of challenging events and competition that combine ranch skills, horsemanship and family games, including a rawhide race, mugging, egg races, bull riding, mutton busting and roping.
The Haleakala Paniolo Tent offers exhibits that preserve and perpetuate Maui’s cowboy history. Horse rides and games will be provided for the keiki.
“We want to celebrate the love of the land, the resourcefulness of the paniolo, and the great cowboys and cowgirls who share their legacy with all of us,” said event organizer Brenda Kuala’au. “It’s a time for everyone to come out and play, show their skills and honor our loved ones who have ridden off into the sunset.”
Whole Foods Market sponsors the Agricultural Tent, where you can shop for Maui County Farm Bureau members’ fresh produce and plants. Talk-story sessions on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. will feature Sara Smith of Hawai’i Island Land Trust, Jimmy Gomes of ‘Ulupalakua Ranch, Amber Starr of Hana Ranch, Hokuao Pellegrino of Nohoana Farm and Ian Cole of the Breadfruit Institute and National Tropical Botanical Garden in Hana.
The Made-in-Hawai’i Tent features crafts, packaged and Maui-style foods, such as barbecued chicken, beef and pork plates, lumpia, chow fun, salads, Indian dishes, desserts and vegetarian offerings.
Non-stop entertainment on Saturday includes the ‘Ukulele Pops Band, a Keiki Cowboy/Cowgirl Dress Up Contest, Wildrose, Uncle Richard Ho’opi’i & ‘Ohana, Brenton Keith & His Bag O’ Tricks and Ha’iku Hillbillies.
On Sunday, enjoy the Hawaiian Serenaders, Andy Kaina Band, Paniolo Ranch Awards Presentations, George Kahumoku Jr., Brenton Keith & His Bag O’ Tricks and more fun.
For more information about the Upcountry Fair, call 572-3545 or email upcountryfair@gmail.com.
