27th Annual Kohala Country Fair

By Caroline Wright

There is nothing more American than a country fair, and there is nothing more Hawaiian than the Kohala Country Fair on the Big Island of Hawaii. This makes for an unbeatable combination!

The theme of this year's fair is "Country Pride--Country

Courtesy Kohala Country Fair

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For starters, check out the paniolo riding and roping exhibitions featuring some of Hawaii's finest cowboys, as well as the animal husbandry exhibits. There's even a petting zoo for the kids. Local farmers will show off their best produce and share tips and tricks on how they get their good results, and there will be a "Master Gardener" advice booth as well as a seed exchange and a "Made in North Kohala" food booth.

The fair will feature live entertainment by local artists all day long. Other highlights include Hawaii Paso Finos and their dancing horses from Rancho Vitorino, demonstrations of saddle-making, kava preparation, lauhala weaving, ipu carving, an assortment of delicious local foods, and an array of crafts, games and contests. (Spam-carving, anyone?)

Already the largest event of its kind on the Big Island, the 2011 Kohala Country Fair will be held in a new ten-acre location, which means this year's event will be bigger and better than ever. Leaving nothing to chance, a large tented pavilion for dining, and a covered amphitheater for entertainment, will help ensure a good time, rain or shine.

While rooted deep in traditional practices, the fair is green in a 21st century way in its commitment to zero waste, and event organizers require vendors and volunteers to support this commitment.

There's lots of fun here for keiki (children), too. With carnival games, baby farm animals, face painting, a bungee trampoline, a rock wall, bouncy houses, a choo-choo train and plenty of other activities, you can almost count on the little ones falling asleep on the way home.