A Day At The Fair
The assignment for two MidWeek reporters: Visit the 50th State Fair and go on as many rides as possible before the corn dogs and cotton candy won’t stay down any longer
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The Inverter: How long can you stand on
your head?
The 50th State Fair is a yearly tradition on Oahu where parents and their screaming, sticky children find a common bond among the brightly lit rides and sweet treats better saved for Halloween.
New this year is a one-time-only treat with the addition of a second roller coaster, the Wild Mouse. While no one will confuse the ride with Cedar Point’s Top Thrill Dragster (400-foot drop, 120 mph) or the High Roller atop the Stratosphere Tower in Vegas, it’s still a fun way to spend a minute and 40 seconds. The track twists and turns through itself as the cart slides over the mostly hidden track so there appears to be little preventing the rider from hitting pavement. That’s standard coaster scare tactic No. 1: Make the riders feel they are in more danger than they really are.
Rasa Fournier, MidWeek assistant regional editor and designated scream factor evaluator, rated the ride a 5.5 on a 1-5 scale. Later we’ll take a look at her white-knuckle scoring for some other select rides.
Don’t miss the opportunity to give it a whirl. After June 17, it gets sent back to the Mainland along with its $250,000 rental fee.
Yep, these things can get expensive.
“My grandfather would freak if he could see what we have now,” says Scott Fernandez, the president of E. K. Fernandez Shows. “He would be completely surprised.”
That’s because the little family-run company has grown a bit since Edwin Kane Fernandez first began dazzling excited Honolulu audiences with the new medium of motion pictures in 1903. This sideline to his photo supply company soon grew into a local entertainment giant as the original Fernandez brought in a circus in 1915. And he never stopped, as ice shows, rodeos, animal acts - including the famed diving mules - elephants, lions, acrobats and dancing bears became part of the island’s entertainment schedule.
The author and colleague Rasa Fournier ride the
new Wild Mouse, and rate it high
But that was then and this is now, and under the leadership of the always energetic Scott, things have gotten only bigger.
“The Texas State Fair has 3 million people and they don’t have two coasters,” he says. “We offer the same product as some of the biggest fairs in the country.”
Adding to the excitement this year are concerts by R&B artists Lloyd June 8 and 9, and Omarion June 15 and 16. “JUMP, the Ultimate Dog Show,” will be there the first two weekends and “Kachunga and the Alligator Show,” the final two.
While the acrobatic dogs should be sure to please, no doubt everyone is waiting for the big beasts from the Florida Everglades. Really, how often do you get a chance to see a human wrestle with one of nature’s nastiest creatures? According to press releases, Kachunga makes Crocodile Dundee look like a wimp, and that the Detroit News said it was the No. 1 reason for attending the Michigan State Fair.
But with all food, games and attractions, it’s the rides that bring families back year after year. So, if you plan to head out, here’s what you’ll find.
The Zipper. Scream factor: 4 Fun Factor: 5
The Zipper is one the great classic carnival rides. While the technology of thrill rides has changed dramatically since the ride’s debut in 1968, the caged-in, demented Ferris wheel remains popular because it’s simply a lot of fun; especially if you have your sister in the seat next to you. On no other ride can you create your own fun as you push and pull yourself to increase the speed and frequency of the spins. One word of caution. Empty your pockets or the ride will do it for you. The small screen opening should keep most of your valuables inside, but why take the chance?
The Wave Swinger. Scream Factor: 3. Fun Factor: 5
Another great, old-school ride. Maybe the least technical. Maybe the most fun. Either way, it’s the closest thing to flying you can get without dealing with the FAA. This basic rotating swing ride sends you over the crowd and allows a freedom few other rides can offer.
A Ferris wheel and the Wave Swinger
Who doesn’t remember holding hands with friends or twisting up the chain just before lift off to add to the excitement?
Pharaoh’s Fury. Scream Factor: 3.5. Fun Factor: 4 Pharaoh’s Fury is a large water craft that instead of plying the waters of the Nile spends its time swinging its riders along a wide arch while offering the best chance at air time in the park. The speed is quick and the ride smooth.
The Inverter. Scream Factor: 3. Fun Factor: 4.5
Wondering how long you can stand on your head? The Inverter will answer that question in short order as it leaves you looking straight up only to see the Aloha Stadium parking lot straight down. But hang on, soon after that you’re diving head-first into the ground before being spun back up into the sun for another trip around. If any ride should come with a weak stomach warning, this is the one.
Carnivals are rarely places to find a bargain. Much like airports, you go in knowing things are going to be a bit pricey. But there are ways to help lighten the financial load. You can get unlimited rides, except on the Wild Mouse, with the purchase of a wristband. The bands are $18 with an empty Pepsi bottle June 10 and $23 June 7 and any Saturday - noon to 6 p.m. - and all day Sunday. Wristbands are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Times Supermarkets and online at ekfernandez.com
The 50th State Fair runs weekends through June 17. Admission is $3 from noon to 6 p.m., $5 6 p.m. to closing, and free for those under 40 inches in height.
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