The 27th Annual Koloa Plantation Days are coming up on July 20 – 29, 2012.  Over 25 events celebrate the plantation heritage and modern-day vitality of Kauai’s south shore communities of Koloa and Poipu, during this 10-day family-oriented festival. Each year, the festival brings visitors and residents together to learn about Koloa’s multicultural history, experience a diverse range of local foods, culture and activities, explore the area’s unique ecology and archaeology, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the south shore’s resorts, golf courses, and other neighborhood venues.

For the first time ever, Koloa Plantation Days is kicking off their 10-day festival with a Paniolo BBQ and Bull Riding Showdown presented by Kalapaki Joe’s and CJM Stables in Poipu. This signature event invites visitors, cowboys and locals down to an amazing night of family fun, great food, beer garden and an exciting bull riding competition.  Bull riders and hand picked bulls are coming from around the state of Hawaii to compete for the $2,000 prize purse provided by Kalapaki Joe’s and Destination Autoworks. Doors open at 4:00pm with a $5 fee to enter. In addition to the bull-riding showdown that begins at 6pm, double mugging and American West Barrel Racing will be featured in the CJM Arena.  The Paniolo BBQ will be prepared by Kalapaki Joe’s and includes a Hawaiian kalua pig plate with lomi lomi salmon, steamed rice and mac salad, pulled pork sliders or grilled huli huli chicken sliders with coleslaw, and a huli huli chicken thigh plate to name a few. Kona Brewing and Bud Light will sponsor the beer garden and beverage area. Additionally, live
local music and kids activities like face painting, story telling and s’mores will be scheduled.
The Annual Parade & Park Celebration will take place Saturday, July 28th from 10am-5pm at the Anne Knudsen Koloa Park and will include food, crafts, Keiki fun and live entertainment. Admission is $2.00.  New to the event this year is the Historic Film Night & Exhibit, July 23 beginning at 6pm with the screening at 7:30pm and Plantation Treats at the Kauai Culinary Market, June 25 from 4pm-6pm both at The Shops at Kuku`iula. 742.9545.
Another great addition to the annual event is Keoki’s Wine Dinner and Ukes in Paradise Keiki ‘Ukulele Competition at Keoki’s Paradise. The Plantation Camps Wine Dinner, Thursday, July 26th will feature cuisine by Chef Jesse Aanacleto and wines from JMD Beverages with special guest Alan Jahns. Cost is $70 per person for the 5-course meal inclusive of all tax and gratuity. Limited seating. The 1st Annual Keoki’s Ukes in Paradise will take place Sunday, July 29th beginning at 10am. Solo Divisions include K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade, 6th-8th grade and 9th-12th grade. Open Group Division: 2-4 members (must have one ukulele member, but must have two ukuleles for groups of 4). Solo division contestants may also enter open group division at no extra cost, it is a one time $15 entry fee. Complimentary lunch & tshirt will be provided for all contestants.  This is a non profit event. Keoki’s Paradise will also be offering their buffet to the public at $17.00 per person day of the competition. For more information call 742.7534.

And don’t miss the screening of “Soul Surfer” at the Movies in the Park event, Saturday, July 28th at 8pm, Poipu Beach Park.  For further information and a full schedule of events visit the Koloa Plantation Days website here.
call 652-3217.

Watch the video of the history of Koloa Plantation Days.