BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Maui County Carnival CANCELLED
2nd Annual Maui County Carnival cancelled.
The 2nd Annual Maui County Carnival that was scheduled for April 6-9, 2017, has been cancelled. Representatives from E.K. Fernandez Shows say that the shipping rates for neighbor island fairs and carnivals have risen over 40% in the past three years, making it almost impossible to ship the equipment necessary to produce these events.
Company president Scott Fernandez said that they diligently attempted to negotiate a more competitive shipping price for the Maui County Carnival with the only shipper in the market, but regretfully could not come to an agreement.
While E.K. Fernandez cited increased shipping costs, Young Brothers executives disputed the accuracy of rates and say they hope to have a discussion with interested parties in order to reach a resolution before the 95th Maui Fair in October and other County fairs scheduled statewide that utilize E.K. Fernandez services. *(Click here to read a statement issued by Roy Catalani, Vice President of Young Brothers).
E.K. Fernandez reports that it has absorbed annual shipping increases since 2011, and have refrained from raising ride prices. This, Fernandez said, was the major factor in their decision to cancel the Maui County Carnival rather that come to Maui and raise prices to an unaffordable level to cover the increased shipping costs.
E.K. Fernandez Shows brought it’s inaugural carnival to Maui for four days in April 2016 at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku. The debut event was held in support of the Boys & Girls Club Maui, and featured rides, games, food, entertainment and special attractions.
In addition to the typical E.K. Fernandez shows, last year’s Maui County Carnival featured two amusement rides never before seen on Maui — the Techno Power and Safari Train. The carnival also featured some entertainment and attractions that appeared at the 50th State Fair including: Hedrick’s Racing Pigs; and The Anastasini Circus Show featuring Giovanni Anastasini (Comedy Diabolo), Karoly & Ana (Roller Skating Duo) and Sergio & Martha (Dancing Gauchos).
Company president Scott Fernandez apologized to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui and to the non-profit organizations that would have benefited from the event, as well as the service providers and families of Maui who were looking forward to a weekend of fun.
Organizers had planned to make the Maui County Carnival an annual event. In previous years, Maui was host to the Little League Carnival which went on for three years, ending in 2006. Prior to that the Jaycee Carnival was held on Maui, but ended in 1997.
E.K. Fernandez was established in 1903 and has been providing family fun and entertainment for the past 114 years.
It is unclear what kind of impact shipping rates will have on the Maui Fair, which also utilizes E.K. Fernandez rides.
Dancing Gauchos. Photo credit: E.K. Fernandez.
Techno Power ride. PC: EK Fernandez
Pigs at 50th State Fair 2015. File photo credit: E.K. Fernandez.
KAROLY & ANA ROLLER SKATING DUO. Roller Skating Act. Photo credit: E.K. Fernandez.
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