MCFB calls for volunteers to help with celebration of island ag.
With summer just around the corner, it’s time once again for Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair! This much-loved event is presented by Maui County Farm Bureau (MCFB) and takes place at War Memorial Special Events Field on Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Marking the 14th celebration of AgFest, this year’s affair commemorates the important role of agriculture on Maui with all the popular signature events, education, food and fun—plus a few new features. Once again, MCFB will honor our dedicated island farmers with the Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast, showcase our talented young people with the Maui 4-H Livestock Show & Auction, and put our extraordinary Maui chefs to the test with the Grand Taste. And this year we’re taking the tasting to a new level with Grand Desserts —a fun way to see what sweet treats Maui bakers can come up with. Each baker will make two desserts. This year’s contest ingredient is Maui Gold Pineapple and the second dessert is the bakers’ choice ingredient.
AgFest is hosted by MCFB and Maui 4-H Livestock Association in partnership with the County of Maui, Maui County Council and the Office of Economic Development, along with a strong show of support from Gold sponsors Ulupono Initiative (Grand Taste), Pukalani Superette (4-H Livestock), Bayer (Grown on Maui Farmers Market), Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast), and Pacific Media Group (Entertainment). MCFB also gives a big mahalo to Silver sponsors Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., Hawthorne/Ness and Mahi Pono; and Bronze sponsors Hawaiian Electric and VIP Grocery.
General admission for adults will be $5 for adults; free for 18 & under with student ID. Cash only at the door! Parking is free. Tickets can also be purchased online in advance for Grand Taste, Grand Dessert and Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast.
And there’s plenty to see and do without tickets as well. The Keiki Zone wows the kiddos with bouncers galore, face painting and games. Over in the Ag Education tent, agricultural experts present workshops and demonstrations. The Grown on Maui Farmers’ Market offers shoppers fresh produce and local goodies. The vibrant Entertainment stage, emceed by the ever-popular Alakai Paleka, promises a full lineup of island talent. Add to that a cool display of big trucks and machinery, and a tempting Food Zone selection of food booths and food trucks—no wonder this event is so popular that it’s even got its own brand new swag! Check out our AgFest tote bags and T-shirts, and get ‘em while they last.
Everyone is already wondering who will capture the coveted Tylun Pang “Fan Favorite” award at this year’s Grand Taste. From 2 to 4:30 p.m., 11 local chefs will compete to see who can best showcase a Maui-grown ingredient in a delicious main dish or “potluck” dish. Ticket holders try all 11 dishes and then vote for their favorite. Grand Taste judges give out awards for “Best Protein,” “Best Vegetarian” and “Best Overall.” Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 day of.
Participating Grand Taste Chefs this year are an impressive lineup, from returning winners to brand new entrants: Chef Marc McDowell, SixtyTwo Marcket; Chef Matt Dela Cruz, Humble Market Kitchin; Chef Ryan Luckey, Leilani’s on the Beach; Chef Joey Macadangdang, Maca Dang Dang; Chef Kalei Ducheneau, Mala Ocean Tavern; Chef Damian Rubio, Merriman’s Kapalua; Chef Jessie Anacieto, Roy’s Kā‘anapali; Chef Brian Ethredge, Tails Up!; Rhoderick Bulosan, Kaʻana Kitchen; Ryu Ibuos, Umi Seafood & Sushi; and Alvin Savella, Duckine.
This year’s Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast is set to honor local farmers for their lasting contributions. The 2023 Legacy Farmers are: Geoff Haines, William “Bill” Eby, David Brown, and Carl Bredhoff. Learn more about these ag superstars and fuel up with an island-style breakfast of sausage, eggs, pancakes, juice and coffee from Fairmont Kea Lani, all served with fresh Maui Gold Pineapple. The event is from 8 to 10:30 a.m.; tickets are $12 for adults; $8 for kupuna and $6 for children 6 to 12 years old; free for children 5 & under.
Volunteers are needed to help share Maui’s vibrant agricultural scene with the public. Anyone interested can email education [at] mauicountyfarmbureau.org.
Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair is Maui’s signature agricultural festival. Formerly known as the annual “Maui County Agricultural Festival,” AgFest merged with Maui 4-H Livestock Association in 2019 and moved to War Memorial Special Events Field to further expand. The event gives attendees an exciting overview of Maui’s ag industry, with a chance to meet farmers and ranchers and to enjoy the island’s rich agricultural history and culture.