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The 10th Annual Maui County Agricultural Festival, Maui’s prime event to raise awareness about Maui ag while invigorating Maui ag, will take place on Sat., April 1 2017. The entire industry, its allies, and supporters come together on the lü‘au grounds of Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapü to share what each group does for the collective good of agriculture in the County, and to showcase ag’s vital role in the economy, environment, and lifestyle of Maui.

Hosted by Maui County Farm Bureau (MCFB) in partnership with 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 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; admission is $5 for adults (kupuna 65 and over free and keiki under 18 free as well). Free parking and shuttle transfers from Ma’alae’a side parking lot to main entrance to AgFest.

Families won’t want to miss this year’s “Maui Legacy Pancake Breakfast” from 8 am – 10:30 am. It’s bingo, a raffle and time to honor three Maui farmers who have contributed greatly to Maui’s agricultural industry. They are Peter Baldwin, Piiholo Ranch, Richard “Dick” Cameron, HC&S, Doug MacCluer, Maui Pineapple Company and Maui Gold Pineapple Company, and Dr. Wilbert Yee, Yee’s Orchard famous for its Goldenglow mangoes. One of the big highlights this year is the expanded “Keiki Zone” complete with bouncers, farm games, livestock exhibit, pony and horse rides and family-friendly food by Chef/Owner Chris Schobel of Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse BBQ. Alaka’i Paleka, Maui’s Morning Goddess of KPOA Radio returns as emcee at the entertainment stage with an awesome lineup and great giveways throughout the day.

Expanding on activities for the whole family, check out the “Keiki and Teens Cook for Heart” from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. Chefs Paris Nabavi of Sangrita Grill and Cantina, Rob Mason Lyndon Hondon, and Riko Bartolome lead culinary classes from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm centered around three crops – avocado, tomatoes, bananas. This is all part of an American Heart Association program called “Keiki & Teens Cook for Heart”. The chefs have been in the several West Maui schools earlier this year teaching culinary classes in elementary schools and Lahainaluna High School.

More hands on activities found in flower tent. The general public is invited to make fresh flower lei, ipu, along with Gayle and team from Na Kani O Hula.

FARMER’S MARKET

It’s good to know who grows our food. The market also shows the importance to ag of value-added products such as taro chips, pickles, and teriyaki beef: They stretch the season, absorb surplus, and provide extra farming revenue. Also check out MauiWine and Maui Gold tent and Maui Coffee Association. Both demonstrate the process of growing an agricultural product and producing a value-added product.

FOOD BOOTHS

Humble crops transform into satisfying meals when carefully prepared. Sample the best of all natural beef – hamburgers, poke bowls and smoked meat, Fork to Salad, Roselani Ice Cream, Shaka Pops and local favorites chow fun and smoked meat and 100 % Maui beef burgers and fries. Look for Maui Fresh Streatery and Three’s Bar & Grill Food Truck.

KEIKI ZONE

Kids learn about ranching and food production while at play. Join us for barnyard games favored by children around the world and learn about livestock. Horseback and pony rides, bouncers and Livestock Exhibit throughout the day. Keiki entertainment stage with live musical performances, magic show and more.

ASK THE DOCTOR

Healthy soil and plants are key to successful farming. Maui can bring soil samples for analysis and learn about plant health or peer through a microscope for a close-up of bugs affecting our crops. With the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources specialists.

CENTER STAGE

Taiko drummers, Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus –Ensemble, Honoka’a Jazz Band, Lehua Kalima and Shawn Pimentel, Napua Nakasone Greig and Halau Nalei Kaumaka O Uka, Kaina Country Band on stage from 9 am – 4:30 pm.

FARM VISITS

Maui Tropical Plantation offers Tram Rides.

GRAND TASTE

Maui’s famed regional cuisine is based on locally grown produce: Meet local chefs and farmers who are creating menus that matter. Fees apply. NEW time from 2:30 pm – 4;30 pm. Purchased tickets online in advance $30 at the event $40. Sponsored by Edible Hawaiian Island, a Live Chefs Challenge is planned from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Grand Taste Tickets

LEGACY FARMERS PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Tickets on sale for “Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast” $10 adults / $5 keiki (12 and under), Grand Taste $30 before March 31 and $40 day of the event and Chefs Collaboration Dinner limited to 21 years and older $75 per person/$600 table of eight. Purchase HERE