Unwilling to let a tradition die, former 4-H Club leaders Mae Omuro and Lydia Furomoto agreed to co-chair the Hobbies & Crafts Exhibit at this year’s Maui County Fair. “We always thought it was part of the fair. People have come to expect it,” Furomoto said. Once called the Homemaking Exhibit, Hobbies & Crafts provides residents in kindergarten through adulthood a chance to show off their creativity and share their craft making skills with fair goers. “We have talented people on Maui, all they need to do is find the time to show it,” Omuro said.

Omuro said she hopes to get at least 100 items entered into the Hobbies & Crafts Exhibit. The 2012 event drew 98 exhibitors with 331 items in categories such as handmade clothing, and fabric, holiday and novelty crafts. Ribbons for 1st through 3rd place and honorable mention will be given. In addition, one item for each category will be selected for Best of Section. “We’re really hoping more people will participate,” Furomoto said. Entries will be accepted beginning Oct. 2 between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. at the War Memorial Gym. Items must be picked up between 8:30 and 9 p.m. on Oct. 6. The Horticulture Exhibit is also seeking entries to display including fruits and vegetables. Fair goers will have a chance to guess the weight of the largest grown pumpkins brought to the exhibit. “A lot of people participate for the sheer enjoyment of watching things grow,” said Horticulture Co-Chair Mae Nakahata. “The key here is you experience what a farmer experiences,” she said. The exhibit will also include educational demonstrations on exotic and tropical fruits. Items may be dropped off at 4 p.m. Oct. 2 or between 7 and 10 a.m. Oct. 3 at the gym.

The 91st Maui County Fair takes place Oct. 3-6 at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku. Details are available at mauifair.com, or by calling the County Fair office at 242-2721. University of Hawaii Maui College Chancellor Clyde Sakamoto was selected as the honorary fair director for his contributions to the community.