KAMUELA — Best known for their extensive pumpkin patch and corn maze, Kohala Mountain Educational Farm draws hundreds of people from around the island to the annual Pumpkin Patch Festival hosted there each October.
This year, the organization is branching out to host a week-long summer carnival on the farm July 23–31.
“For years we’ve had people in October say ‘please do a special event in the summer and we’ll come,’” Farmer Benjie Kent said, who manages the 23-acre farm on land he leases from Kahua Ranch.
Last year, he held community outreach meetings in Kona, Hilo, Waimea and Hawi to hear more ideas from residents on what they would look to see at the educational farm.
“The biggest request was again a summer event,” Farmer Benjie said.
Activities at this year’s carnival will range from pony rides and hay rides to face painting, a jumping pad and carnival games tailored for children. Food vendors will serve hot dogs hot off the grill and shave ice. Families can also bring their own picnic.
The farm will open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. daily during the eight-day event. Activities will be priced individually, ranging from $5-$9 each.
Originally from Kansas City, MO, Farmer Benjie met Kahua Ranch’s longtime manager Monte Richards, Jr. 15 years ago while visiting the island and returned to live here five years ago.
“Monte gave me the opportunity to run the farm as an entrepreneur,” he said. “I couldn’t do this without our staff.”
Farmer Benjie said the educational farm’s concept is based on Weston Red Barn Farm in Weston, Missouri, just northwest of Kansas City. There students visit to learn about farm animals and crops, making nature their classroom. Open spring through fall, visitors of all ages can experience a real working farmstead.
Similarly, Kohala Mountain Educational Farm’s main purpose is to educate Big Island residents about agricultural and its basic fundamentals, production, the origins of foods and local products. They grow organic produce and do not use GMOs, much like visiting a turn of the century working farm.
Educational tours and activities are arranged throughout the year for students and visitors, and volunteers who like to get their hands dirty can participate in weeding, hoeing, planting and helping with other work on the farm.
“We’re beginning to build a volunteer network as an excuse to come to the farm,” Farmer Benjie said. “I’ve gotten addicted to the smiles from those who come here to help, and grandparents who thank me for providing this.”
The farm is located between mile marker 12 and 13 on Kohala Mountain Road with an entrance on west side of the road. It is open to the public with free access and parking.
For more information on the summer farm festival and other activities, visit www.kohalamountainpumpkinpatch.com or go to KMEF’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kohalamountaineducationalfarm.