Onion festival marks summer season start

The third annual Sweet Onion Festival is ready to bring you plenty of family fun and some ono grindz, but the Kapolei happening means a bit more for local produce lovers.

"It really symbolizes the kickoff to summer," said Mike Moefu, a spokesman for host Aloun Farms. "We have onions coming out, but just next month our melons will jump into season as well."

Ewa sweet onions, which have been in season for about two months already, are similar to Maui onions in taste, but they tend to be rounder in comparison to the flatter Maui onions.

Moefu said the region’s climate is "perfect" for growing onions, with "nice sunny days and cool tropical nights."

More than a dozen food vendors featuring onion-based recipes will compete for a people’s choice award.

"Everybody can try different vendors, and we’ll give a grand prize to the vendor that receives the most votes," Moefu said.

In previous years, vendors have prepared dishes like the Bloomin’ Onion, an onion cut up to resemble a flower; steaks and burgers smothered in onions; and onion rings.

"We’ve had onion ice cream in the past," Moefu said. "We’re getting a little onion prize for these guys."

The festival also will have crafts, keiki rides, a farmers market, entertainment and other activities.

The festival teams with local nonprofit agencies, such as the Hawaii Foodbank. Visitors can also get a free bag of onions in exchange for a canned-food donation, and free admission in exchange for two garbage-sized bags of used clothing.