After a four-year hiatus, the Maui County Fair finally returns today at the War Memorial Special Complex. Carnival rides, food vendors, live music, animal exhibits, a petting zoo, and more all in store for visitors.

The most recent fair, which drew over 90,000 people in 2019, was canceled because to the pandemic. The festival was revived this year with the cooperation of the Maui County Council and Mayor Richard Bissen, thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the county budget.

The animal exhibit at the fair will feature goats, calves, and even a Valais Blacknose sheep known as “Marshmallow.” Additionally, there will be a Paniolo Hall of Fame exhibit and rodeo demonstrations.

At 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, the festivities begin with a procession that starts at the UH Maui College campus and proceeds down Ka‘ahumanu Avenue to Kanaloa Avenue. In addition to local high school bands, cultural organizations, and visiting participants from Maui’s sister city Fukuyama, Japan, former Mayor Michael Victorino will serve as grand marshal.

Food from dozens of nonprofit groups will be available, including waffle dogs, chow fun, garlic noodles, and kūlolo sundaes. The midway rides are operated by E.K. Fernandez, and instead of using the old-fashioned card system, guests can now buy ride tickets using a mobile app.

Some exhibitions, including as the presentation by the Maui Orchid Society, will be held at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center due to War Memorial site renovations.

Hawaiian music legends Keali‘i Reichel and Nā Leo Pilimehana, as well as Grammy winner Kalani Pe‘a, will be among the many performers scheduled for the evenings. Under the main tent, performances take place Thursday through Sunday.

Children under five enter free of charge, while adults pay $10 and children aged 5 to 11 $5. To reduce traffic, the county is also providing parking alternatives, a free shuttle service, and specific locations for rideshare drop-offs.

To view all information and timetables, please visit www.themauifair.com.