Maui Fair Weekend! New Experiences, Return of Street Party
The four-day Maui Fair event kicked off on Thursday with the Annual Parade and opening night. Maui Fair Director, Sherri Grimes said fair attendance so far is on par with last year.
“Preliminary numbers through the paid gate were about the same as 2017,” said Grimes, who was happy with the cool weather and clear skies.
She said she’s still awaiting final numbers which will include the more than 4,000 parade participants who received free entry on Thursday night.
The family-friendly event features some new rides and experiences this year as fair goers head into the weekend.
“This year we brought in a couple of new rides under EK Fernandez. These were more thrill-type rides. They also brought in some kid rides, so for those that are younger in age, they have new experiences as well in the Joy Zone,” said Grimes.
This year also marks the second annual Maui Fair Street Party that takes place nightly from Friday through Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
“On the street between the Food Court and the Joy Zone, which is actually right in the middle of the entire Fair Ground, we have these street parties with different entertainment that strolls down the street with princesses and super heroes. There’s UJAM dancers, Zumba instructors and drumming. That’s when the crowd can all come onto the street and participate and follow the different acts,” said Grimes.
“With horticulture in front of our gym, we have a really cute farmland this year where guests can see chicks, there’s little tractors, games to participate in and milking of cows. Across from that is Pā Hale Hawaiʻi, where you can participate in different Hawaiian games, crafts and poi pounding,” said Grimes.
The event wraps up on Sunday night with entertainment from Maui’s own Willie K.
“We are really blessed to have Willie K join us for our last act on Sunday night to close out our Maui Fair. With all what he’s been through, for him to come out and bring the community together, I think that is really special for us,” said Grimes.
Tonight (Friday, Oct. 5, 2018), gates open at 5 p.m. and the fair ground closes at midnight; on Saturday, Maui Fair hours are 10 a.m. to midnight; and on Sunday, the Maui Fair is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday, October 5, 2018 |
|
5 p.m. | Gates Open |
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Kanekoa |
8 to 9:30 p.m. | The Exiles |
10 p.m. to 12 a.m. | Trance & Mackie’s Karaoke Showdown presented by DaJam |
12 a.m. | Gates Close |