This year thousands of people are expected to stop by game and commercial booths and go on rides at the Kaua’i County Fair at Vidinha Stadium. They are likely to get more out of the four-day event (it ends Sunday)
This year thousands of people are expected to stop by game and commercial booths and go on rides at the Kaua’i County Fair at Vidinha Stadium.
They are likely to get more out of the four-day event (it ends Sunday) by stopping off at 40 booths manned by non-profit or commercial organizations offering information about themselves and their services, say fair officials.
Doing so will enable residents and visitors to find out more about Kaua’i, its people and culture, officials said.
“This is the event of the year for Kaua’i. I would say 45,000 people will come,” said Bill Spitz, economic development specialist with the Kaua’i Office of Economic Development, as he strolled through the fairgrounds yesterday. “Programs are exposed. People are exposed. This is great for non-profits.”
They included the Kauai 4-H Club, the University of Hawai’i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Kaua’i Heat Start and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
What the non-profit groups and community organizations offer is “the kind of stuff people want to learn about our community,” said Sue Keller, a representative for the Kaua’i Farm Bureau, the main sponsor of the fair.
The fairgrounds became temporary headquarters for community or non-profit groups such as:
– Kaua’i People Power, a grassroots organization of volunteers that favors the sale of the Kaua’i Electric utility company to a co-op.
– Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, which supports e the protection of the endangered species.
– Kaua’i Tobacco Free Community Coalition, which has informed the public about the dangers of smoking.
– American Association of Retired Persons.
– Mahelona Hospital Auxiliary, which provides volunteers to support staff at the hospital in Kapa’a.
– University of Hawaii’s Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, which had displays on the care of taro, products made from taro, methods to save the island’s banana industry, training for farmers and the UH Cooperative Extension Service science program with Hanalei Elementary School.
– Ha’ola Lahui Hawaii, which, as part of its mission, has helped Hawaiian attempt to live healthier lifestyles.
– Kaua’i Headstart of the state Department of Human Services, which supports services for children and families.
– Kamalani Playground, a group supporting the continued development of land by Lydgate Park for public use.
– Anahola Homestead Council.
– Kaua’i Bonsai Club.
– Kaua’i Anthurium Club.
“These various organizations have lot to offer,” Spitz said. “This fair is a good chance for people to come here and find out.”
