Music and dance performance at Holualoa post office.
The Holualoa Village Association presented its 2nd annual Summer Farmfest & 'Ukulele Jam on June 19th, 2010. The celebration featured over two dozen local food purveyors who offered samples and sales of Hawai’i Island local food bounty along with local music in the historic upcountry village.
Sam Rosen tunes a 'uke.
There was plenty of fresh produce for the estimated 1,000+ visitors that came early for the 9 am to 3 pm event: from mangos at the Dovetail Gallery at the southern end of Holualoa Village, to avocados and lemons from Paradise Meadows Orchard on the lanai of the old Koiki Ranch and Feed store just a half mile up the road. In between there was everything from fresh Kona coffee to organic tomatoes, basil, onions, lettuce, root crops, fresh bakery goods, eggs, bananas, tropical flowers, pies and much more.
As Farmfest visitors strolled and browsed offerings along the roadway from the Holualoa 'Ukulele Gallery to the stage at the Post Office and finally to the landmark Kona Hotel, they were treated to 'ukulele music from Lopaka Ryder and Mele 'ohana, and hula by Na Kupuna O Kona Ali'i.
The ponies were a big hit among adults, kids, and other animals.
Hungry shoppers could choose from pasta salads at the Lilikoi Inn & Cafe tent at the Kona Hotel, vegetable curry and fruit treats form the Lotus Cafe on the lawn of the old Buddhist temple, and salad and deli samples from Island Naturals display at the top of the driveway to the Holualoa Inn. Tastes of honey, fruits and natural drinks were offered from the front lanais and lawns of over twenty of Holualoa Village's historic old buildings that are now home to unique shops and renowned art galleries.
Island Naturals served dishes using local purple sweetpotatoes.
The sponsor of this year's event was the Holuakoa Gardens and Cafe, and they hosted a half dozen farmers in their "Saturday Farmer's Market" behind the Cafe. These are the farmers who supply the fresh ingredients for their daily lunch and dinner menus. In the beautiful courtyard of their highly acclaimed restaurant was a display from Kona Brewing Company, where they offered samples of their all-new Oceanic Organic, a Belgium style Saison beer.
The HVA's next event will be their 12th annual "Coffee & Art Stroll" on Saturday, November 6, 2010, followed by the 14th Annual Music & Light Festival on December 4th, 2010. More information, a map and photos of all events are on the HVA website:
http://www.holualoahawaii.com.
