“We live Upcountry . . . we’re used it,” said parent volunteer Jessi Flaherty, who came prepared with a raincoat. “It’s been a beautiful day.”

Though a little damp at times, the event was not deterred by weather conditions. Organizers said there was a steady flow of people, and games, food, local vendors, music and more kept the festival lively from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Lisa Molina of Makawao said she has come to the school’s Harvest Festival for quite a few years.

“I like that it has a fall and harvest kind of feel,” she said.

Pat Domen paints with daughter Mylah as they stay dry under a tent Saturday at Kula school's festival. The Maui News / KEHAULANI CERIZO photo

Entertainment featured Kaina Country, Nuff Sedd, King Kekaulike Jazz Band, Alexander Academy of Performing Arts and HI Ground. An array of local foods were sold. Also, a country store held local produce, plants, flowers, handmade crafts and baked goods.

Yoriko Grimes, another parent volunteer, said this year’s fest had more stores, games and food.

She and other moms were facilitating the country store around 1 p.m. Saturday, which held handmade wreaths, beeswax and driftwood pieces.

“It’s all moms here; the dads are at home,” she said, laughing.

Parents and school community members spend hours planning and volunteering at the event.

Joanne Green, volunteer mom, shows dedication despite heavy rain during the 32nd annual Kula Elementary School Harvest Festival country store Saturday. The Maui News / KEHAULANI CERIZO photo

As the school’s largest fundraising effort, money helps provide programs such as physical education, art and music, which students would otherwise not have, according to the event website. Also, money raised helps classroom needs in each grade level and supports several student activities not covered by government funding.

The annual festival is “highly anticipated,” organizers said.

Flaherty said festivalgoers appreciate that it’s a family affair.

“People can bring their kids here and everybody has fun and spends money to support the school,” she said.

Flaherty added that the students are inspired by watching parents work hard.

A ring toss game has participants aim for pumpkin stems Saturday at Kula's festival. The Maui News / KEHAULANI CERIZO

“I think the kids really like seeing their parents working,” she said. “I think it gives them pride.”

* Kehaulani Cerizo can be reached at kcerizo@mauinews.com.

Makawao resident Lisa Molina checks out the sunflowers at Kula's country store Saturday at the elementary school. The Maui News / KEHAULANI CERIZO photo

Festivalgoers weren't deterred by wet weather midday Saturday at Kula Elementary School's biggest fundraiser event of the year. The Maui News / KEHAULANI CERIZO photo