If you haven’t seen a Russian swing before, you might be missing out.
If you haven’t seen a Russian swing before, you might be missing out.
Circus performers hop aboard a life-size pendulum — hold on tight — and then fly, twirl and flip impressively through the air.
The swing is a circus showstopper, say organizers of the 66th annual Hawaii County Fair, and this year, fairgoers will get to see it for free. It’s part of the Amazing Anastasini Circus, the newest addition to the Hilo Jaycees annual fair in Hilo — and it’s included with regular admission.
The four-day fair kicks off tonight and runs through Sunday at the Afook-Chinen Civic Center.
“It’s pretty exciting,” fair organizer Kelton Chang said. “(This circus) hasn’t ever come to the island.”
This year’s fair also will feature the usual smorgasbord of local and E.K. Fernandez food vendors — poi balls, malasadas and Thai food to name a few options — along with daily live entertainment. E.K. Fernandez Shows Inc. also is bringing at least 15 rides that include a fun house maze, the Jungle Twist roller coaster, a popular swing ride called the Wave Swinger and the Fire Ball roller coaster that takes riders upside down.
In years past, the fair has drawn up to 15,000 people each day, Chang said. This year, it could draw even more. That’s because the Big Island Fair in Kona was canceled earlier this month when equipment was not able to arrive in time because of delays caused by Tropical Storm Madeline.
“This is one of the biggest events Hilo has,” Chang said. “We want to do it for the community and the Big Island, especially those folks who may not have another opportunity (to go to a fair).”
Money raised by the fair each year is funneled back into the community, Chang said. Proceeds help the Hilo Jaycees fund other projects during the year including its scholarship program and Easter egg hunt.
On Saturday night, KWXX also is hosting its 23rd annual Hoolaulea, a free Downtown Hilo block party with live music. Chang doesn’t think having both events the same night will hamper fair attendance because Hoolaulea ends at 10:30 p.m. The fair closes at midnight Saturday.
“I think we’ll get a huge influx of attendance from 10:30 p.m. to closing,” Chang said.
The fair is open 5:30 p.m.-midnight tonight and Friday. It runs 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2.50 for children and $6 for adults. Seniors 60 and older are free. Gate entry Sunday is half price. From 10-11 a.m. Sunday, those who bring food items for the Hilo Jaycees food drive — three cans for adults and two per child, that are not expired — get in free. Entry is free for everyone after 6 p.m. Sunday.
Rides are open during regular fair hours as long as it’s not raining, Chang said.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service on Wednesday, however, showed an 80 percent chance of rain tonight and 90 percent chance on Friday. Chances of rain Saturday and Sunday were 50 percent and 40 percent, respectively.
Chang said parking will be more limited this year because a portion of not-yet-paved parking around the center will be fenced off.
E.K. Fernandez also is using a new “Fun Pass” card system this year, where attendees “load credits” onto their card in lieu of paying with money. The card is only good for E.K. Fernandez rides, games and food vendors. It doesn’t work for local food vendors or for paying general admission, which is cash only. The card also can be used at E.K. Fernandez fairs elsewhere and credits, once loaded, don’t expire. Attendees can buy Fun Passes from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at kiosks.
Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
—————————————————————————————-
Fair entertainment schedule
(includes circus times)
Tonight
5:35-6 p.m. (opening): Taishoji Taiko
6:10-7 p.m.: Russell Mauga
7:15-8 p.m.: Aunty Darlene Ahuna
8-8:45 p.m.: Fire Woman and Dese Guys
9-9:45 p.m.: The Amazing Anastasini Circus
10-11 p.m.: The Steppas
Friday
6-6:45 p.m.: One Rhythm
7-7:45 p.m.: Bu La‘ia
8-8:45 p.m.: Josh Tatofi
9-9:45 p.m.: The Amazing Anastasini Circus
10-10:45 p.m.: Sudden Rush
Saturday
10:30-11:45 a.m.: Daylan & The Dragons
Noon-12:45 p.m.: The Amazing Anastasini Circus
1-1:45 p.m.: Sweet Thunder Sushi Poke Contest
2-2:45 p.m.: K-Big Future Big Stars
3-3:45 p.m.: The Amazing Anastasini Circus
4-4:45 p.m.: Hau Mai Band
5-5:30 p.m.: Lehua Productions Pageant Showcase
5:30-6:15 p.m.: To‘a Here Tahitian Revue
6-6:45 p.m.: The Amazing Anastasini Circus
7-7:45 p.m.: Russell Mauga
8-8:45 p.m.: Melveen Leed
9-9:45 p.m.: The Amazing Anastasini Circus
10-10:45 p.m.: Maunakea
11 p.m.-midnight: Hua Mai Band
Sunday
10-10:45 a.m.: Girls Nite Out
11-11:45 a.m.: Kupunas Showcase
Noon-12:45 p.m.: The Amazing Anastasini Circus
1-1:45 p.m.: Bu La‘ia
2-2:45 p.m.: Ryan Hiraoka
3-3:45 p.m.: The Amazing Anastasini Circus
4-4:45 p.m.: Positive Motion
5-5:45 p.m.: Merahi Productions
6-6:45 p.m.: The Amazing Anastasini Circus (last show)