BY LISA MARIE DAHM
NORTH HAWAII NEWS

Paauilo residents will have an opportunity to do something they haven’t done in many years – celebrate a country fair together.

The first Paauilo Country Fair will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 29 at Paauilo Park.

The Paauilo Community Athletic Association, the Paauilo Camp Community Association and the County of Hawaii are sponsoring the free event.

According to Darren Gomera, president of the Paauilo Community Athletic Association and a board member of the Paauilo Camp Community Association, the event reminds him of the times when the sugar plantations were operating and the community would come together often for festivals and celebrations.

“It’s a chance one day a year to get the community back together and for the kids to enjoy the games,” Gomera said.

The day will include food, games, entertainment, and a waterslide and bounce castle – all on the grounds of Paauilo Park. Keiki ID photos will also be available. Games will include a baseball throw with a radar gun speed measurement, a balloon toss, dart toss and other contests with prizes. There will also be a “Portagee” horseshoe tournament for adults at $25 per team.

Food offerings will include everything from hot dogs, musubi, and desserts, to a steak fry dinner, complete with corn and rice, for $10. Proceeds from the food sale will go to the Paauilo Community Athletic Association.

Spirit shirts in royal blue to commemorate the day will also be for sale.

Gomera said that though the event takes coordination and hard work, the committees are looking forward to bringing the town together.

“It’s a chance to come out and meet your neighbors,” Gomera said.

Steak fry dinner tickets are available through pre-sale. To purchase, call Maurice at the Paauilo gym at 776-7601. For more information, visit the Paauilo Country Fair Facebook page.