MEDIA RELEASE

Ranked among the most widely produced and consumed fruit in the world, mango is the star Saturday, Aug. 1 during Mango Festival 2009.

The inaugural event offers all-day educational fun celebrating the nutrient-rich mango starting 8 a.m.-noon at the Keauhou Farmers’ Market at Keauhou Shopping Center. 

In addition to browsing for Hawaii-made and grown food, check out a free farmer-chef presentation at 10 a.m., complete with a cooking demo and tastings.

Mango mania continues 2-6 p.m. at the Kona Mango Experience where attendees can learn how to grow and prepare mango for eating, vote for the best mango-inspired art, enjoy live entertainment and shop for mango-themed gifts at Keauhou Beach Resort’s Royal Garden. 

Admission is $10 and includes a Kona Brewing Company beverage or the festival’s mango coloring book.

The juicy jive culminates with a magnificent mango meal prepared by top local chefs at the 6:30 p.m. Mango-Inspired Dinner at Keauhou Beach Resort.

The Mango Festival 2009 is a zero-waste event and presented by the non-profit Sanctuary of Mana Kea Gardens. Sponsors include the Kona County Farm Bureau, 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission, Keauhou Beach Resort, Kona Brewing Company, Keauhou Resort, Complete Art Service Hawaii, Produce to Product, Inc, and Kareeza Design Company,

For information, call 769-0672, send an e-mail to nkona@hawaii.rr.com or visit www.keauhoufarmersmarket.com and www.konafarmbureau.org.