LahainaTown celebrates the 139th birthday of its famous Banyan Tree landmark (and Earth Day) with festivities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday at Banyan Tree Park. If you have never visited Banyan Tree Park, this weekend is the perfect time. Festivities will include live music, magic, artists, hands-on art activities for children, a farmer’s market, and of course a birthday cake. Admission is free.
Lahaina’s most famous landmark, the Banyan Tree was planted on April 24, 1873, by sheriff William Owen Smith to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the first missionaries. Imported from India, the tree was only eight feet high when it was planted. It now has a dozen main trunks and spreads over two-thirds of an acre.
The wide-ranging festivities are worthy of the Banyan Tree itself. Children can enjoy games and arts and crafts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, while magician Brenton Keith interacts with the crowd from noon until his 1 p.m. performance.
The farmer’s market will offer baked goods, fruits, flowers and vegetables from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. An array of live music, including Hawaiian entertainment, can be heard all day throughout the weekend. Maui artists will sell their jewelry, pottery, artwork, wood carvings and glasswork from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Banyan Tree Park is located at the corner of Front and Canal Streets, near the Lahaina Courthouse. Call 667-9175 for more information.