The Hawaii County Fair returns re-energized Sept. 21-24 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium grounds with thrilling and kid-friendly rides, circus acts, aromatic foods and vendors from multiple businesses and nonprofits. ADVERTISING The Hawaii County Fair returns re-energized Sept. 21-24 at
The Hawaii County Fair returns re-energized Sept. 21-24 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium grounds with thrilling and kid-friendly rides, circus acts, aromatic foods and vendors from multiple businesses and nonprofits.
Kelton Chang, president and executive coordinator for the Hawaii County Fair Foundation, said the former organizers, the Hilo Jaycees, could no longer keep the fair going without more members.
“Last year was going to be the last year we had the fair,” Chang said. “I told myself I couldn’t let that happen.”
Discontinuing the fair would be “so devastating to our community,” he said. Instead, Chang set up a nonprofit organization to keep the fair afloat — the Hawaii County Fair Foundation.
Chang said he felt so strongly because of all the groups that do fundraisers during the fair that need the money they raise.
Athletic programs, services for the elderly, scholarships and schools all benefit from money raised during the fair, he said.
Chang said one of the highlights will be a new ride this year called Seven Seas.
EK Fernandez, the Hawaii carnival company that provides the fair’s rides, describes Seven Seas as “a spectacular platform ride that whisks riders left to right and over the top in a fast-paced motion. As riders crest the top, they experience a free-fall sensation.”
Fairgoers can refill fair cards from last year or buy new ones to access the rides. Machines similar to ATMs are used and the cards work at any EK Fernandez fair in the state, Chang said.
He said vendors will feature solar energy, jewelry, crafts and school fundraisers for athletic-club uniforms.
It would be “very hard for these families” to raise enough money for team uniforms otherwise, he said.
This year’s fair — the 67th — includes a Big Island Baby contest.
The fair averages about 10,000-12,000 visitors daily and total attendance this year is expected to be somewhere around 30,000.
Chang said the Civic will host the Amazing Anastasini Circus acts, featuring human gymnastics (no animals) with slack rope, balancing and aerial performances..
Fair planners hope fundraisers will be a hit again this year.
“We definitely need the support of the community to come out and help,” Chang said.
Email Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
Hawaii County Fair
Admission: Kids 3 and younger, free; ages 4-11, $2; ages 12-61, $3; ages 62 and older, free.
On Sunday, those who arrive during the first hour can bring two cans of food (not expired) for kids and three cans for adults for free fairgrounds entry.
Schedule:
• 5:30 p.m.-midnight Thursday
• 5:30 p.m.-midnight Friday
• 10 a.m-midnight Saturday
• 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday
Information: www.facebook.com/HawaiiCountyFairFoundation.
Entertainment Schedule
Thursday
5:30-6 p.m. Puna Taiko Drummers
6:30-7:30 p.m. Blessing ceremony, introduction of Hawaii County Fair Foundation Committee and special entertainer
8-9 p.m. The D Ramos Band
Friday
5:30-6:30 p.m. Studio Shaka
7-8 p.m. Braddah Waltah
8:30-9:30 p.m. Average Joes
10-11 p.m. Kiana Perreira-Keawekane
11:30 p.m.-midnight Radio station music
Saturday
10:30 a.m.-noon Big Island Baby Contest
12:30-1:30 p.m. Dream Hawaii Studio
1:45-3:45 p.m. KBig Future Big Stars
4-5 p.m. RBI League world champions recognition
5:30-6:30 p.m. Dylan and the Dragons
7-8 p.m. Kris Fuchigami
8:30-9:30 p.m. Ho‘aikane (original group)
10-11 p.m. Lloyd Longakit and Friends
Sunday
10:30-11:30 a.m. Maunakea
Noon-1 p.m. Ho‘aikane (original group)
1:30-2:30 p.m. Ira Varize
3-4 p.m. Waiakea Inter-School Ukulele Band
4:30-5:30 p.m. To‘a Here Tahitian Revue
6-7 p.m. Kipapa
7:30-8:30 p.m. Keaiwa
