The Buzz

Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Kelsey Saplan, 18-month-old daughter of Kylen and Ricky Saplan of Makiki, got a close look at a goat Sunday at the Hawaii State Farm Fair. This is the final weekend of the fair, which features E.K. Fernandez rides and games, demonstrations, food booths, the Flying Espaöas extreme action act, contests, produce, plant sale and — of course — pigs, cows, chicks and other farm animals. It all continues noon to midnight today through Sunday at the Aloha Stadium parking lot. $3 general, $1.50 children 5-12, kids under 5 free. 485-1770.

Island style

Is it possible that we in Hawai'i sometimes take for granted all the things that spring from the creative minds and hands of our fellow Islanders? The sixth annual Made in Hawaii Festival is here to remind us of the poi products (above), arts, crafts, flowers, candles, Christmas ornaments, fashions, jewelry, produce ... the list goes on and on as 400 exhibitors will be ready and waiting to show us their wares at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena. Other attractions include cooking demonstrations and entertainment.

The schedule:

• Cooking demonstrations — Today: 2 p.m., Lynn Lee of the Maui Onion Growers Association; 4 p.m., Chai Chaowasaree; 6 p.m., Troy Teruya of Catch of the Day Sushi. Saturday: noon, "Hawaii's Kitchen" taping with Dr. Terry Shintani; 2 p.m., "Hawaii's Kitchen" taping with Sergio Perez of Maui Tacos; 4 p.m., Elmer Guzman of Sam Choy's Diamond Head restaurant; 6 p.m., Warren Sasaki of Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii. Sunday: noon, Steven Ariel of the Pinepple Room; 2 p.m., Don Maruyama of Parc Cafe.

• Entertainment — Today: noon, Jerry Santos; 1 p.m., Ka'au Crater Boys; 3 p.m., Genoa Keawe; 5 p.m., Robi Kahakalau; 7 p.m., Weldon Kekauoha with The Mana'o Company. Saturday: 11 a.m., Ku'uipo Kumukahi, 1 p.m., O'Brian Eselu; 3 p.m., Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom; 5 p.m., Frank De Lima; 7 p.m., Maunalua. Sunday: 11 a.m., Jay Larrin; 1 p.m., Sean Na'auao; 3 p.m., Ten Feet.

The festival takes place noon to 9 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2 general, free for kids under 6; half-off coupons are available at First Hawaiian Bank branches. The Advertiser is a sponsor. 533-1292.

Advertiser library photo

Cool off at the YWCA's Aquatics Open House and Family Fun Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Laniakea Center, 1040 Richards St. downtown. It's an educational and recreational event, as swimmers can be tested for skills (registration and sign-in, 10-10:30 a.m.; testing, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) before the pool is open to all for splishing and splashing (1-4 p.m.). It's free; families are encouraged to bring bathing suits and towels. 538-7061, ext. 212.

Okinawan heritage

The culture of Okinawa will be celebrated at Honolulu Hale from 7 tonight as part of the city's series of ethnic heritage festivals. Among the participants in an evening of taiko drumming, songs and dances will be Afuso Ryu Hawaii Sandaa Kai, Ryukyu Kobudo Taiko Hawaii Shibu, Tamagusuku Ryu Senju-Kai and Ryuku Sokyoku Koyo Kai-Hawaii Shibu. The festival is free, with free parking in the Civic Center parking garage. 523-4674. Next: a Hispanic Festival Sept. 22.

Taking steps

Ballet Hawaii's Summer Finale 2001, the culmination of a Summer Intensive program, takes the stage at Leeward Community College Theatre at 8 p.m. today. Pictured above is Elizabeth Eck. Ballets created by the legendary George Balanchine — including excerpts from "Serenade," his first ballet choreographed in the United States — will be staged by former Balanchine dancers Violette Verdy and Robert and Virginia Barnett, and master teachers Maria Vegh and Michael Vernon. Island dancers/choreographers Peter Rockford Espiritu and Marie Takazawa will add pieces with a contemporary and jazz ballet touch. Tickets are $15 general, $10 students. 521-8600.

Doggy doings

Dogs have another couple of days in the spotlight as the West Oahu Kennel Club hosts all-breed dog shows Saturday and Sunday at Barbers Point Elementary School. More than 500 dogs are expected to compete, representing 150 breeds; competition begins at 8 a.m. The public is invited to the free event, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. The school is at 3001 Boxer Road, Kalaeloa. 942-5127.