Tiny Miss Filipino Jesse Alexis (left), Little Master Filipino American Brixton Midour Antonio (center) and Little Miss Filipino American Railee Jane Magliba Carter ride in the back of a pickup during the kickoff parade for the Maui County Fair on Thursday. The Maui News/Eli Pace

Based on attendance figures from its opening night, the return of the Maui County Fair has been very well received by the community.

The Maui County Fair kicked off Thursday with a parade that included numerous public agencies, youth and school groups, sports teams, elected officials, nonprofits, private businesses and more.

“Driving down Kaʻahumanu Avenue and seeing thousands of people turn out for the parade and the long-awaited return of a 98-year tradition made it all worth it,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, who spearheaded the fair’s return.

“It was all aloha, watching the joy and excitement on people’s faces,” Bissen continued. “This celebration is exactly what our community needs right now — a chance to come together, make new memories and enjoy being with one another.”

The fair took a break starting in 2019 due to the global pandemic. Maui County officials brought the fair back this year, and the 98th Maui County Fair will continue through Sunday at the War Memorial Stadium Complex.

According to figures provided by the county, the opening-day fair attendance was approximately 30,000 people, and over 3,000 people participated in the parade led by grand marshal and former Mayor Michael Victorino.

“We did it, Maui County,” said fair organizer Daryl Fujiwara, Festivals of Hawaii executive director. “The fair is back, and it was incredible to see our community gather again to enjoy the music, shopping, rides, games and, of course, the ʻono food. This is what makes our fair so special, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life.”

The county also reported that a large group entering the fair after the parade caused a slowdown in Kanaloa Avenue fair entry. Participants are being reminded there are three entry points including Kanaloa Avenue, War Memorial stadium and Baldwin High School.

There have also been reports of red ants at the fair. As a precaution, the grounds were treated before the event, and crews resumed treatments early Friday morning.

For more information about the Maui County Fair, go to themauifair.com/parking.html.

Photos: Kickoff parade marks return of Maui County Fair