THE Farmers Carnival kicked off in Lautoka yesterday as families flocked to Churchill Park.
Carnival secretary Udit Narayan said the week-long event got off to a good start with the fine weather.
He said funds raised from the event would go towards paying the school fees of poor students in the Western Division.
Mr Narayan said the carnival aimed to promote, encourage and educate poor and underprivileged children.
"Last year we raised about $27,000 most of the funds went towards school fees of poor students," he said. "Applications for assistance came from Raviravi, Ba and Sabeto in Nadi.
"This year our target is $40,000."
Carnival sponsors Vodafone Fiji's Lautoka manager Alamgeer Shah said the company was pleased to be part of the annual festival.
He said the event provided a unique opportunity every year to bring out the best of many cultures and tradition in our society.
He said the festival has grown in popularity since its inception.
"It also provided that much needed excuse to get away from the hectic working schedule for family outings," he said.
"The fun and games aside funds raised during the festival is always put to very good use for the benefit of the wider community."
