It’s fair time: End of summer staple returns to Old A tonight

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The Dizzy Dragons return to the EK Fernandez Big Island Fair this weekend. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
Workers assemble the Century Wheel Wednesday at Old Kona Airport Park for the Big Island Fair. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
Workers assemble the Wave Swinger at Old Kona Airport Park for this weekend’s EK Fernandez Big Island Fair. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
The carousel returns to the Big Island fair after a long hiatus. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
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KAILUA-KONA — It’s that time of year: spinning rides, flashing lights, entertainment and of course, fried Twinkies.

Starting this evening and running through Sunday, the EK Fernandez Big Island Fair will transform the south end of Old Kona Airport Park runway into a carnival, hosting 15 rides, games, food booths, entertainment and for the first time, RoboCars — life-sized transforming robot vehicles.

The entertainment stage will feature Kainani Kahaunaele, Mark Yamanaka, Josh Tatofi, Keiki Hula by Ke Kula ‘o ‘Ehunuikaimalino, Kennedy Taylor Band, Melodia, Kapena, the “So You Think You Can Sing” contest and Hypnotist Catherine Hickland.

Fair hours are Thursday and Friday 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday noon to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday noon to 10 p.m.

A Fun Pass is required to pay for admission, ride the rides, play games, purchase food and beverages, and buy novelties. If you purchased a Fun Pass at last year’s Big Island Fair or at any other E. K. Fernandez Shows carnival or fair, any credits remaining on your card are good at this year’s Big Island Fair.

The minimum cost of a Fun Pass is $20, which will give you 200 credits on your card.

Each Fun Pass credit is equivalent to 10 cents. Rides range between 35 to 75 credits with discounts available Saturday noon to 6 p.m. and all day Sunday.

Workers are still needed to staff carnival games and food service. Applications are available at the fair, 18 and over only. No experience is necessary.

For more information visit ekfernandezshows.com