The eighth annual Mango Festival, a free family event featuring everything mango, live entertainment and more, is Saturday at Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay.
Local expert chefs, farmers, scientists, and enthusiasts will offer mango culinary tasting, mango grafting demonstrations, and presentations on growing and care of mango trees during the 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. event. In Hawaii, mango season runs May to September. Many varieties of mango are grown here, varying in size and shape and color from red and orange to yellow and green.
The zero waste event begins at 10 a.m. with a pule and opening ceremony followed by entertainment by Bolo and friends featuring Hula Joy. The entertainment, which includes bands and other performances, continues through 5 p.m. at the resort. A schedule of the planned entertainment follows.
Agricultural presentations will also be held starting at 11 a.m. with Mark Suiso covering mango growing and cultivation. At noon, Harold Moodie will discuss mango grafting and at 1 p.m. Chef Stephen Ruelle of Under The Bodhi Tree will demonstrate mango food preparation and provide a sampling. At 2 p.m. is a mango tasting with Stuheart and attendee judging.
Donations are requested for mango tasting recipes and presentations.
Main stage program
10 a.m.: Pule and opening ceremony
10:05 a.m.: Bolo and friends featuring Hula Joy
10:45 a.m.: Mana Sacred Dance
11 a.m.: Michelle – Kona Country Rock
11:30 a.m.: Uma and Dave
Noon: Kona Dance Kids
12:30 p.m.: Jo Conti – Marshal Stick Synthesized Music
1 p.m.: Joanie and Irminsul
1:30 p.m.: Dr. Tim’s Medicine Band
3 p.m.: Stuheart – Mangolicious Songs
4 p.m.: Belly dancing
Info: www.mangofest.org. ■