Ewa Carnival Steps In as 50th State Fair Takes a Break
This Labor Day weekend, the west side of Oahu will see the return of the Ewa Carnival, filling the gap left by the absence of the 50th State Fair. After cancellations due to ongoing renovations at Aloha Stadium, local event promoters are eager to bring back a fun and family-friendly celebration for the community.
A Nostalgic Celebration for the Community
With the Aloha Stadium renovations postponing the State Fair, Raymond Ho Jr. of TMR Events saw an opportunity to revive the Ewa Carnival, a beloved local event. "It felt like the perfect time to bring back something nostalgic for our community," Ho said.
The carnival is scheduled for August 30 and 31 at the Wai Kai Events Lawn, featuring classic rides provided by EK Fernandez, food booths, games along the sidewalks, and live concert performances on the lawn – which will still be set up from another nearby event.
Partnerships Paving the Way
Teamwork is at the heart of this comeback. TMR Events teamed up with EK Fernandez, a name synonymous with carnival rides and entertainment on the island. Both parties have been using the Aloha Stadium property but needed new venues as renovations continue. This collaboration hopes to benefit the organizers, vendors, and attendees alike.
Scott Fernandez, president and owner of EK Fernandez, encouraged flexibility amid challenges: "You roll with the punches and focus on entertaining the public—that’s what we do best."
Looking Beyond the Ewa Carnival
Although the 50th State Fair won’t be held this year, EK Fernandez remains dedicated to keeping traditional Hawaiian fairs alive. The company is actively seeking a suitable permanent location that can accommodate the full scale of a proper state fair, including rides, games, tents, food, and entertainment.
Additionally, EK Fernandez will participate in the Maui County Fair, returning this October after a six-year break, hosted at the War Memorial Special Events Complex. Until then, these smaller events like the Ewa Carnival will serve as vital substitutes for community gatherings and family fun.
Community Support and Free Admission
Highlights of the Ewa Carnival include an offer from TMR Events of 20,000 free tickets for admission. Since the event was announced, over half of these tickets have already been claimed, indicating strong community enthusiasm.
Raymond Ho emphasized the event's significance: "There’s huge demand here, especially on this side of the island, where such events are scarce. It's great to bring that joy back to the community."
Plan Your Visit
- When: August 30-31, Labor Day weekend
- Where: Wai Kai Events Lawn, West Oahu
- What to Expect: Classic carnival rides, food booths, games, and live entertainment
- Admission: Free tickets available from TMR Events
As the summer wraps up, the Ewa Carnival offers a perfect opportunity for families and friends to come together and experience cherished island traditions despite the absence of the State Fair.
