Depending on which of my neighbors you speak to, it happens either once every four years, ten years, or whenever the government feels like hosting it. Whichever the case, I’m glad it happened while I was still here; the 2011 Ha’apai Agriculture, Fisheries, and Industries show was the greatest homegrown spectacle I have ever seen in Ha’apai.
Every village from every island in Ha’apai was provided tent space to show off their crops and weaving wares for a best-in-show competition. Since Ha’apaians all grow the same crops and weave with the same techniques out of the same materials, every display was similar. It was the enormity of the display, however, that drew the crowd. I’ve never seen either shoreline or the rugby field so crowded before.
I arrived with my camera after the judging finished so I could buy some of their prize-winning fruits. With the constant call of “Sione!” from kids, parents, teachers, and outer islanders I met on my tour, Ha’apai reminded me warmly why I love this place so much. Everyone was eager to have their picture taken, even those I didn’t know (and won’t ever see the photo) but I was happy to make them all happy. A pair of post office ladies also made sure to express how sad they’ll be when I’m gone -- because there won’t be anyone to give them candy.
My favourite tent was Fangale’ounga’s. They were my host village during training and they brought a beautiful variety of vegetables. I bought a palm-leaf bag of their young coconuts (for drinking), and they gifted me a watermelon.
The fair was stimulating, but it only lasted a couple of hours. Then Ha’apai returned to its regular summer break ghost town, as most young people have escaped to Vava’u or Tongatapu for more exciting things.
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