89th Annual Maui Fair Starts Thursday

By Madeline Ziecker

The 89th Annual Maui Fair will begin Thursday, September 29th at the War Memorial Complex Fairgrounds in Wailuku.

ON THE STAGE Thursday, September 29 – Sunday, October 2

The fair will begin on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. with the 89th Maui Fair Parade. At 5 p.m., fair gates will open and guests can begin to enjoy the array of food and festivities planned for this year. Gates will close at 11 p.m.

‘Aloha’ Friday is when the action increases. In the morning visitors can attend the Special Fair, beginning at 10 a.m. with a performance by Zenshin Daiko, the children’s Japanese style taiko (drum) group. Following Zenshin Daiko, Mayor Alan Arakawa will give a brief welcome. Musical entertainment will continue throughout the day until gates close at midnight.

On Saturday fairgoers can look forward to several musical talents, including Kihei Cowboys, Conscious Roots, and Nuff Sedd. The Meadow Gold Healthy Baby Contest begins at 10:30 a.m., which gives proud parents the opportunity to showcase their healthy keiki in a setting that promotes health and nutrition. Gates will close at midnight.

The fair will conclude on Sunday, beginning with the 2011 Cheer Spirit Showcase at 11 a.m. All pop warner, high school, and all star teams will get the chance to showcase their team spirit through a routine. A Best in Team Spirit Award along with other participation awards will be handed out at the showcase. The rest of the day will include performances by Homestead, Kendra, Kalapana, and hypnotist James Kellogg Jr., but the schedule is reportedly subject to change without notice. Gates will close at 11 p.m.

ON THE FAIRGROUNDS Thursday, September 29 – Sunday, October 2

At least 17 rides will be open during fair hours including this year’s newest ride, The Dragon Coaster, along with classic favorites such as the Castle Bounce, Century Wheel, and Wave Swinger.

In addition to the rides and entertainment, many flock to the fair for the endless variety of decadent foods offered. Everything from Ahi Bowls to Malasadas will be available for purchase. There is nowhere else on Maui where you have 40 options of  places to eat in one day, within a block. Proceeds from the sale of these meals will go to many nonprofit & civic organizations to help boost their yearly operating costs.

The 7th Annual Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety Chili Cook-off Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, October 1 from 10 a.m. – noon. This year’s cook off will feature some of Maui’s top chefs including Executive Chefs Tylun Pang from The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, Ryan Luckey from Pineapple Grill at Kapalua Resort, and Chef Riko Bartolome. The chefs will showcase their best chili recipes alongside teams of Maui Fire Department. The public is invited to sample the chili for $1 a bowl. Proceeds will benefit the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital Patient Transportation Fund for children afflicted with injuries related to fires.

HOURS & PRICES

Thursday, September 29 — 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday, September 30 — 5 p.m. to midnight
Saturday, October 1 — 10 a.m. to midnight
Sunday, October 2 — 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

General Admission:
Adults $7
Keiki (5-11) $3

Discount Sunday:
Adults $5
Keiki (5-11) $2

Rides:
Single Coupons $1
Sheet of 10 Coupons – $10

See www.mauifair.com for questions or for more details.