LIHU‘E — Johnny Gordines, president of the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau, said this was one tough decision to make.
Following the KCFB Board of Directors’ meeting earlier this week, the farm bureau has decided to “defer” the 2020 KCFB Farm Fair that was scheduled to open its four-day run in
August at the Vidinha Stadium “fairgrounds.”
“At a recent KCFB Board of Directors meeting, it was decided to defer the 2020 KCFB Farm Fair after considering the health and safety of the community and visitors due to the rapid expansion of the Corona Virus, and related COVID-19 disease,” states a formal announcement from the farm bureau. “KIFB feels it would be irresponsible to push forward with this year’s fair without having a much clearer view of future conditions.”
The KCFB board said the decision to not have the fair this year was based on uncertainties — the impact of the COVID-19 expansion within the community, and the associated deterioration of the state and local economies.
The annual farm fair which would have celebrated its 52nd year dates back to the days when it was presented by the Young Farmers at the fair grounds located in Wailua in the area known as Marine Camp. It grew to relocate to Hanapepe in the area currently being used as soccer fields in Hanapepe Stadium before returning to the parking lot fronting the Elsie Wilcox Elementary School cafeteria, the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall parking lot, and finally, the Vidinha Stadium parking lot where more than 20,000 people enjoy the fun and showcase of agriculture.
“While we regret having to take this action, our greater responsibility is the safeguarding of the health and welfare of the public, the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau members, and our farm fair volunteers,” the announcement said.
The Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau also partners with the Kaua‘i Community College for the weekly Kaua‘i Community Market Saturday markets, and The Shops at Kukui‘ula for the weekly Kaua‘i Culinary Markets. Currently, these weekly markets will continue as scheduled until otherwise advised.
Also on schedule, the annual Garden Fair that is a partnership with the Kaua‘i Community College and other community organizations is still scheduled to open on April 4 on the campus of the Kaua‘i Community College.
“Please be on the lookout for more announcements about Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau events as the COVID-19 situation evolves,” the announcement states. “It is our great pleasure to support our agricultural community on Kaua‘i, and to provide events that the entire community can gather and enjoy in safety.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
