Farm Bureau Selects Perfect Farm Fair Spot

The Hawaii State Farm Fair will be at a farm this summer, settling in July 7 and 8 on the Windward side’s best-known cattle ranch and tourist attraction, Kualoa Ranch.

Sponsored by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation and Hawaii State 4-H, the decades-long fair was cancelled last year for the first time because no adequate venue was available. Bishop Museum, Aloha Stadium and McKinley High School are among the former sites for the fair, which will mark its 50th year in 2012.

Kualoa Ranch – home to films, weddings, rodeos and cattle-raising on 4,000 acres at the north end of Kaneohe Bay – looks to be just right, according to ranch president and general manager John Morgan.

“Having the Hawaii State Farm Fair here is really a perfect match,” Morgan said. “As a working cattle ranch and local business that welcomes guests to enjoy tours and activities that showcase the beauty and rich history of this place, we’re really excited to serve as a venue for an event that educates our community about local agriculture and ranching enterprises.”

The 4-H club exhibits, demonstrations, livestock show and auction are planned, as well as the popular produce market, plant sale, petting zoo, pony rides, hands-on activities, food and entertainment.

The farm bureau’s interim executive director Joy Gold declared it an “incredible” location. “The ranch encompasses all the aspects we were looking for in a new venue for the event and will help us in broadening our reach in the community,” she said.