OLINDA - Paniolo demonstrations and historical exhibits, the 4-H livestock show and auction, entertainment led by Richard Ho'opi'i and an assorted food fare highlight the 29th annual Upcountry Ag & Farm Fair on Saturday and Sunday.
For the second year, the fair will be held at the Oskie Rice field on Olinda Road above Makawao town. The fair will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The state Paniolo Hall of Fame will be on display at the fair, sponsored by the Maui Cattlemen's Association, in the Paniolo Tent. Paniolo will be on hand to demonstrate saddlemaking, branding and other cowboy activities.
The entertainment includes Hawaiian musical treasure Ho'opi'i, Ernie Cruz Sr. and the Ernie Cruz Riders, John Cruz, Neil Bruce and "The Amazing Stuporman," and county vocalist Brandee Souza.
On Saturday, there will be stew, chili and roast cooking contests, sponsored by Maui Cattle Co. Judging takes place at 10 a.m. with winners announced at 11 a.m.
The food lineup is diverse from Maui Cattle Co.'s lamb sliders and beef kabobs to Indian dishes. There will also be pulehu steak, Hawaiian, roast ribs and barbecue chicken plates; lumpia, poi mochi and more.
The annual 4-H Livestock Association's show and auction will be held Saturday with 4-H'ers bringing the animals that they have spent months raising to show, which begins at 8 a.m. Top animals and their 4-H'ers will be awarded ribbons. An auction will follow.
There will also be arts, crafts and clothing vendors at the fair.
Admission to the fair is free.
Car and motorcycle parking is $5. The parking fee benefits the Makawao Strikers Soccer Club, King Kekaulike High School girls soccer and the Upcountry Fair Youth Development Scholarship Fund.
For more information, call 572-3545.
