2011 Maui Fair Names New Director, Silva

By Wendy Osher

Roy Silva. Courtesy photo.

The Maui County Fair will operate under a new director this year.  The organization selected community member and resident, Roy Silva, as the new Fair Director for the 89th Maui Fair.

Silva, who served as the Maui Fair’s Parade Chairperson since 2002, will now lead community relations and outreach, as well as offer creative and promotional concepts towards the overall vision of the Fair.

“I look forward to working with the many dedicated volunteers, educators and service providers to continue what has become such a timeless tradition in our community,” said Silva.

In recent years, Karey Anne Oura Kapoi held the post of Fair Director, an annual position that brings fresh ideas and personalities to the longstanding event.

In his new role, Silva will work closely with Fair Managing Director Sherri Grimes, who continues to handle the management side of the event.

“After so many years working on this amazing event, I am so grateful to the volunteers, community service and non-profit groups, chairpersons and committees, Board of Directors, various state and county agencies, sponsors, and the many other gracious supporters who are responsible for making the Maui Fair come alive,” said Grimes.

Maui Fair. File photo by Wendy Osher.

In the community, Silva worked with St. Anthony High School as a board member, assistant basketball and softball coach as well as a HHSSAA Basketball official. He has volunteered at the Lahaina Kamehameha Day Parade and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

This year’s event will take place September 29 to October 2, 2011. The Maui Fair highlights family tradition, attracting residents and visitors alike.  The Maui Fair is an alcohol-free, smoke-free and drug-free family-oriented educational event that features multi-cultural food, entertainment, E.K. Fernandez rides, plus horticulture, bonsai, livestock, homemaking, photo, art and educational exhibits and competitions.

The Maui Fair is the primary source of funding for many of Maui’s nonprofit and community organizations. The event relies entirely on corporate or local business sponsorships, local donations, and volunteers for support.