The Hilo Jaycees invite you to kick off your autumn with the 63th Annual Hawaii County Fair.
The Hilo Jaycees invite you to kick off your autumn with the 63th Annual Hawaii County Fair.
The fair runs from Thursday through Sept. 22 at the Hilo Civic fairgrounds. The fair runs from 5:30 p.m. to midnight Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Daily admission is $5 adults, $3 for keiki ages 4-12. Children younger than 3 are admitted free, as are seniors 65 and older with valid government-issued ID.
The fair will feature the E.K. Fernandez midway of rides and games, and there are two new rides this year: the Jungle Twist and the Magic Maze fun house.
On Saturday, fair-goers can purchase a 10-ride wristband for $30 between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The ride tabs on the wristband are good until 6 p.m. Saturday.
On Sunday, the Hilo Jaycees is holding a food drive, and admission is free for adults who bring three cans of nonperishable food and children who bring two cans, as long as the cans are not beyond their expiration date.
For those seeking a break from the rides, there’s a stellar lineup of entertainment, with longtime local favorites such as Darlene Ahuna, Sudden Rush, Bruddah Waltah Aipolani, and Butch Helemano and the Players of Instruments.
, as well as newer faves including Ryan Hiraoka, Kimie and Komakakino.
Also back by popular demand, Chang said, is spray-paint artist Wayne Gabaylo.
“He does spray-can painting on canvas,” Chang said. “He makes murals of volcanoes, trees, rivers, mountains. Whatever the public wants him to paint, he’ll create right in front of you.”
And, if that’s not enough reason to go to the fair, there’s always the food.
“We have the traditional hot dogs and soda,” Chang said. “We have Hilo-style loco moco. We do have prime rib this year; we have some barbecue guys coming in. Some of them were featured in the 4th of July barbecue contest. We have Thai food, Hawaiian food, ice cream. So many kinds of food. Everybody should be happy.”
The Jaycees are also holding a membership drive, as well, hoping to recruit new members ages 21-40.
“On that pass is a ticket to get in and on the side of that is a voucher for membership,” Chang said. “We are going to have a booth in the Butler building that’s going to be used for our membership drive. Anybody who wants to become a member of the Hilo Jaycees can come in and sign up. Membership fees are $46 for one year. Basically, we’re a youth leadership organization that builds young leaders in our community.”
There’s an old joke in Hilo that when E.K. Fernandez comes to town, it’s time to break out the umbrellas. But as Chang noted, a good time will be had by all, regardless.
“We’re gonna hope and pray that we don’t get any rain, but if it does, we hope people will still come out and enjoy,” he said.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.