Maui County fair seeks contest participants ahead of October return

WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Ahead of its return from a six-year hiatus, the Maui County Fair is seeking participants of all ages for competitions ranging from livestock exhibits to e-sports.

The 99th Maui County Fair runs Oct. 1-4 at the War Memorial Special Events Complex, featuring carnival rides, local food, cultural showcases, and live entertainment.

Mayor Richard Bissen spearheaded the fair’s revival, supported by a $1.5 million Maui County Council appropriation administered through the nonprofit Festivals of Aloha.

Admission is $10 for adults and youth ages 12 and older, $5 for children ages 5 to 11, and free for keiki 4 and younger.

Contests, deadlines, How to enter

• Student Art Contest (Deadline: Friday, Sept. 18, at 4 p.m.): K–12 students can submit one original 2D matted artwork across five grade divisions. Drop off at the Fair trailer.
• Fiber Arts Show (Deadline: Sunday, Sept. 20): Features traditional Hawaiian and upcycled fiber arts. Drop off entries Sept. 12–20 at Sew Special in Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.
• Small Animal & Poultry Exhibition (Deadline: Monday, Sept. 21): Open to Maui County residents (up to three animals total).
• Student Media Contest (Registration Deadline: Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 2:30 p.m.): K–12 students produce on-site video, photo, or news stories under deadline at War Memorial Complex on Oct. 3.
• Student Horticulture Contest (Drop-off: Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 2:30–6:30 p.m.): Open to K–12 keiki growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Adult divisions are on pause this year. Deliver entries to Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.
• E-Sports Tournaments (Registration Deadline: Thursday, Oct. 1): Super Smash Bros. (Oct. 3) and Mario Kart (Oct. 4) for ages 13-and-under and 14-and-older. Limited to 64 players per division; waiver required.
• “Baby of the Year” Healthy Baby Contest (Event Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m.): Open to infants and toddlers up to 36 months old at the War Memorial Complex stage. Register online in advance or at the fair (space permitting).

For more information, visit www.themauifair.com