Aloha to The Ulupalakua Thing

ULUPALAKUA, Maui, HI (Sept. 6, 2005)-After 13 years, Maui's premier agricultural trade show, The Ulupalakua Thing, comes to an end. The annual fundraiser served to promote Hawaii's agricultural products, locally-grown ingredients, and other made-in-Hawaii items.

The Ulupalakua Thing was the longest running agricultural-food festival in Hawaii. The event drew thousands of participants and spectators each year, featuring popular activities such as the Chefs' Challenge, the Malama Aina Plant Competition, lei-making and flower arrangement contests, and live entertainment.

"We want to thank everyone who supported this event over the years," said Doug MacCluer, President of Maui Agricultural Foundation. "The numerous sponsors, vendors and volunteers, are part of a team that helped raise thousands of dollars each year for agriculture programs."

Maui's Winery, Ulupalakua Ranch and the non-profit Maui Agricultural Foundation are the founding sponsors of The Ulupalakua Thing. Since 1992, the fundraiser has contributed approximately $125,000, benefiting the agriculture department and the culinary arts program at Maui Community College, the 4-H clubs on Maui, and the Maui County Farm Bureau.

"We feel The Ulupalakua Thing has successfully served the purpose it was created for - to bring awareness and support to local agriculture," said Sumner Erdman, owner of Ulupalakua Ranch and co-founder of Maui Agricultural Foundation.

Originally known as the Maui Agricultural Trade Show and Sampling, the primary focus of the event was to bring together the industry and buyers.

"Today, there are farmers markets and agricultural events throughout the islands, and Hawaii chefs are featuring fresh, local products on their menus. When we initiated this event 13 years ago, there were few places for local farmers to showcase their products, except a handful of small, family-owned stores," said Erdman.

"The small, 'grassroots' trade show has simply outgrown itself, which reflects the industry's progress over recent years," said Paula Hegele, president of Maui's Winery. "By ending The Ulupalakua Thing, we are in effect allowing for the next phase of agricultural events on Maui to take shape. We look forward to new and exciting things to come."

In 1999, the original organizers of The Ulupalakua Thing established Maui Agricultural Foundation, Inc. (MAF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. MAF's mission is to guarantee the continuation and growth of agriculture in the State of Hawai'i as a successful industry, a lifestyle, an attraction to visitors, and a means to sustain Hawai`i as a green and healthy environment. Within this mission, the foundation seeks to encourage a new generation of farmers.

MAF Board Members are business and community leaders in Maui County, and together they bring a wealth of knowledge of the agriculture industry, and specifically of marketing tailored towards agriculture. For further information on the Maui Agricultural Foundation, call (808) 878-2839. For more information on The Ulupalakua Thing, visit the Web site at www.ulupalakuathing.com.