Everyday I drive by Kaahumanu Ave, the tents are slowly coming to life. Pretty soon, the rides, the food booths and the lights will get some action and you’ll find yourself, once again, at the Maui Fair.

http://mauifair.com/2013/

Just like you, I enjoy my time at the fair. Luckily, I had the opportunity to participate further – rode a fancy convertible and waved to the crowd during the parade (drove the convertible back to the rental place, too), did my shift at the County booth, took advantage of parking passes, and ate my nightssss away.

So here are some tips I learned from past attendance:

1. Wear covered FLAT shoes.

I think I made the description generic enough to fit your style – sneakers, doll shoes, running shoes, whatever you fancy. It will be dusty – even at night, though it’s dark and for others, romantic, there will still be dust. Protect your feet, keep them clean, wear covered shoes. The ‘flat’ part is simple. Maui Fair grounds are mostly on grass, too. Unless you’re expert walking on grass with heels on, then fine. Perhaps wedges are acceptable if you insist on having long legs, but you MAY be walking a lot – depending on your level of curiosity and sense of adventure.

An old aerial image of Maui Fair. At least there will be grass now.

2. BUY those food tickets and support non-profits

It doesn’t matter whether you’ll pick up the plates that you pre-purchased from your office mate or friend who’s been fundraising, the main thing is you purchased. I would strongly recommend buying food from one of the non-profit booths. NOT ONLY do they have the traditional and ono’ selections: flying saucers, POG shakes, shoyu chickens, malasadas, etc, but you’re actually helping and supporting the community.

Sure that deep fried bacon is making you curious, but if you are making the decision where to spend your last few dollars, spend it on one of the non-profit booths. I assure you that someone you know is volunteering a shift in one of those booths and is working really hard to support his/her organization.

So what, stand in line. If you can stand in line at Costco, you’ll be fine standing in line at the Maui Fair.

Here’s a great photo collection I found online from Anu Yagi of Mauivents: http://mauivents.com/maui-events/crazy-88th-annual-maui-county-fair/

3. CARPOOL if you can

Well, this is sort of self-explanatory. Let’s all not be selfish and contribute to everyone’s convenience. If you can save some spots by carpooling with your family and friends to get down at the venue, then do it. Since we’re talking about cars too, make it habit already to put reusable bags in your vehicle – not just during Maui fair season, really. But those food items that you plan to take home? You’ll most likely be given paper bags – which will be a B to carry to your vehicle. B stands for Biceps – because it will be a biceps workout. (hehe)

4. IF you go GAGA with winning all the toys

Consider giving them to the next wide-eyed keiki next to you and I guarantee you will be more than a hero for the night.

Give the toys to someone who would really appreciate them

This happened to me and my boyfriend and we’ve turned it into an annual thing. FOR SOME lucky strike, I won two toys with the basketball free throw game. I got both balls in – imagine that?! =) The cheapy stuffed animals are really cute, but in reality, they’d be dust collectors at home.

Then there was this little girl and her brother looking at the others with those huuuuge toys they carry around – my heart just melted and we gave our toys to them. If you plan to do this, make sure the parents are aware, by the way. This will avoid any miscommunication – you’ll never know.

Have fun testing your accuracy skills and make someone else’s night. =)

5. GO AROUND and appreciate someone’s hard work

I know some people who go just for the food, for the rides. The Maui Fair is actually bigger than that. Visit the exhibits inside War Memorial Stadium – last year, Saigon’s owner Jennifer Nguyen won an award growing this huuuuuge gourd. It was taller than her!

Jennifer and Mayor Alan Arakawa with the award-winning gourd

My point is, there’s so much talent and work put in the displays and the best way you can show appreciation is to just go and check it out! No harm at all! The mini-zoo is also a wonder place, for me. I still couldn’t forget this huge bunny rabbit from last year – it was ridiculous. All the animals on display were beautiful, FAT, amazing. Someone worked really hard.

Just look at this beautiful creature from last year. Just amazing!

If you do have some money to spend, support our local businesses at the commercial centers. Engage a moment of salesmanship from our people. Ask questions. Ask them a lot of questions. Buy something! Tell them they did a good job with their displays. Make suggestions and recommend good stuff to friends.

CAUTION: DO NOT go inside the displays like this girl in the photo. She got scoldings for stepping too close to the displays.

6. TALK to your County officials

Maui Fair is the biggest community event in Maui. Your County officials will be there and present. Take advantage of the opportunity to talk to them. Water, Fire, Police, Mayor’s Office – most likely, most of them will be represented. Pick out some brochures, answer their questionnaires, play games and win a freebie, talk to the officials and don’t be intimidated. They are there to listen to you and they will listen to you.

7. WATCH A SHOW

There will be plenty. Aside from the hourly performances at the tent, know that there are talent shows, cook-off competitions, and even robotics and lego competitions (which I thought last year was soooo cool. Almost made me want to switch my course to Engineering. Oh wait, I’m not in college anymore. Darn it)

Kalapana rocked it last year

8. WAVE and SMILE to the parade peoplez

The parade kicks off the weekend. Hey, those folks waving at you from the parade – they all worked hard on that float. They did it because they want to spread the aloha – so give it back by throwing them your sweetest smile, add a wave and share your photos online telling the world how awesome they did.

I had the honor of being aboard Mayor Alan Arakawa’s convertible last year, with Mayor’s CoS Herman Andaya. This year, I’m actually going to see the parade – the whole parade! Perhaps one of the first parades I’ll ever see as a spectator! I’m excited!

Are you ready for the Maui Fair? Visit their website for the full info.

I’ll see you there!