Photos: 99th Maui County Fair draws thousands on opening night, more to come

The Maui County Fair Parade kicked off the 99^th Fair on Thursday, with crowds lining sidewalks along the parade route and thousands filling the fairgrounds on opening night. 

The Fair continues today through Sunday at the War Memorial Stadium Complex in Wailuku.

Mayor Richard Bissen spearheaded the revival of the fair last year after its absence for the previous six years. He noted that Maui County is the only county in state hosting a fair this year.

“The Maui County Fair is something our community always looks forward to, and it’s great to see the fairgrounds come alive again,” Bissen said. “Opening night and the parade are such a special part of the experience, bringing our families, friends and neighbors together and reminding us of what makes Maui County so special. I’m happy to welcome everyone back and hope our community comes out to enjoy the rides, food, entertainment and, most of all, time together.”

Fair Director Daryl Fujiwara of nonprofit Festivals of Aloha said, “It’s incredible to see our community gather again to enjoy the music, shopping, rides, games and, of course, the ʻono food. Our new nightly Drone Light Show was a big hit and was enjoyed by some of our residents in Central Maui neighborhoods as well. Mahalo to everyone who helped bring the fair to life again.”

About 3,250 people participated in the Maui County Fair Parade, led by Grand Marshals Avery Chumbley, Sherri Grimes, Mike Silva and Dr. David Anzai, members of the former Maui Fair Alliance organization that had carried on the community tradition until 2019.

Fairgoers are reminded that there are three points of entry to the fairgrounds: Kanaloa Avenue, War Memorial stadium and Baldwin High School.

The main stage showcases Maui and Hawaiʻi entertainers. The remaining lineup includes the following:

Friday, Oct. 2 – “Flashback Friday”

• 6 – 7 p.m. — Manaʻo Company
• 7:30–8:30 p.m. — Ten Feet
• 8:30 p.m. — Maui County Fair Drone Show
• 9 – 10 p.m. — Norm
• 10:30–11:30 p.m. — Homestead

Saturday, Oct. 3

• 11 a.m. – noon — Baby of the Year
• Noon – 12:45 p.m. — Nā Aliʻi Big Band
• 1 – 2 p.m. — Greg Juan
• 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. — Kaina Kountry
• 4 – 5 p.m. — TJ Fevella
• 5:10 – 5:30 p.m. — Maui Taiko – Celebrating 30 years
• 6 – 7 p.m. — Keahiwai
• 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. — Kealamauloa
• 8:30 p.m. — Maui County Fair Drone Show
• 9 – 10 p.m. — Wavvy
• 10:30 – 11:30 p.m. — 808 Vibes

Sunday, Oct. 4

• 11 a.m. – noon — Kamehameha Schools Hawaiian Ensemble
• Noon – 1:00 p.m. —Hālau Keʻala Ka Hinano o Puna, Kumu Hula Joy Keōpūolani Salvador featuring Kaulike Pescaia & Akoni Robles
• 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. — Ei Nei
• 3 – 4 p.m. — Kamaka Kukona with Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua
• 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. — Hawaiian Jukebox featuring Ikaika Kalani, Taz Vegas and Greg Sardina
• 6 – 7 p.m. — Nā Hoa
• 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. — Amy Hānaialiʻi
• 8:30 p.m. — Maui County Fair Drone Show
• 9 – 10 p.m. — ʻĀinaty

For Maui County Fair paid and free parking sites; drop-off, pickup and rideshare locations; entry prices; entertainment; food; E.K. Fernandez rides; activities; contests; and hours, visit www.themauifair.com.