Riders take a spin on the swings and other attractions during the Maui Fair in October 2018. The Maui County Fair is making a much anticipated return this year after taking a six year break starting in 2019. Maui News archive photo

The Maui County Fair, along with E.K. Fernandez rides, will officially return to Wailuku on Oct. 2-5.

Mayor Richard Bissen announced on Monday that Maui County is sponsoring the comeback and the rides will operate under county auspices.

Earlier this year, at Bissen’s request, the Maui County Council approved the appropriation of $1.5 million to revive the county fair through contractor Festivals of Aloha, which is owned and operated by Daryl Fujiwara.

The 98th Maui County Fair will be at the War Memorial Special Events Complex.

The fair was discontinued in 2019 due to financial and other challenges, including the onset of COVID-19.

In a news release, Bissen said the fair is an important opportunity for community members to experience the togetherness and local traditions that give Maui its unique identity.

“After six years, the return of the Maui County Fair is more than just a parade and celebration — it’s a chance to reconnect, heal and move forward, remembering who we are and where we come from,” Bissen said.

Bissen thanked E.K. Fernandez for its willingness to bring rides to Maui this year. The release said a number of rides are scheduled including Dizzy Dragons, Helicopter, Magic Maze, Merry-Go-Round, Lolli Swings, Pharaoh’s Fury, Scooter, Seven Seas, Super Sizzler, Super Slide, Wacky Worm, Wave Swinger and Zero Gravity.

E.K. Fernandez now has an app available for purchasing rides. The old card system will no longer be used.

Bissen encouraged potential nonprofit food vendors, product and service vendors, parade participants, volunteers and sponsors to sign up to receive information on this year’s event. Nonprofit food vendor applications are being accepted now with an Aug. 8 deadline to apply. Application and interest forms are available at www.themauifair.com/.