LIHUE — Basalia Asuncion never expected to win during the Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair on Thursday. “This was a surprise to me,” said Asuncion, whose anthurium specimen was announced Best in Show. “I have been entering for long time,
LIHUE — Basalia Asuncion never expected to win during the Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair on Thursday.
“This was a surprise to me,” said Asuncion, whose anthurium specimen was announced Best in Show. “I have been entering for long time, but never win this kind of honor.”
The quiet Hanamaulu woman’s entry stood out in the show hosted by the Kauai Anthurium Association.
“I don’t even have a hot house,” Asuncion said. “It just grows under the eaves. When I brought it, it had seven flowers.”
Asuncion said she submitted nine plants to the show, earning an Honorable Mention for one of her pink flowers in addition to the Best in Show honor.
Top honors in the Fruit and Vegetable Show went to the Wooten ohana of Kauai Kunana, who finished the judging with 510 points.
George Mukai added to his runner-up in points (381 points) by earning Best “Back to the Roots” honor for a Palehua variety taro he submitted among his cache of produce.
Harry Yamamoto, finishing third in points with 219 points, also picked up a special award, the Best Fruit in Show with his pumpkin which, according to Future Farmers of America volunteers, weighed in at 130 pounds and requiring two people to carry it to the table.
Keith Silva, finishing fourth in the points judging with 119 points, also copped Best Vegetable in Show honors with his pink mushroom specimen.
Sandra Henmi of Kalaheo rounded out the judging with 89 points.
Fair goers have a final opportunity to view this year’s collection through 9 p.m. Saturday before the display is dismantled.
The Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair continues through Sunday at Vidinha Stadium.
