The Maui Fair promises onolicious food and lots of fun, as well as engaging activities like robotics for youth and a new Events Arena. For the Fair’s Managing Director Sherri Grimes, the Robo Tech Maui Expo & Competition has brought much pride. The event for high schoolers has increased from just a few teams on Maui to more than 40 from across the state. “Robotics is really near and dear to my heart. Actually everything to do with education and STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) is important to me,” she said. Grimes said she hopes the crowd will support the Fair by coming to see the Robo Tech competition. The events are organized by Maui high school students to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and math. There will also be a Lego competition for 4th and 5th graders.

The Fair, now in its 90th year, opens with the traditional parade on Thursday, and continues throughout the weekend with other draws including rides, food, entertainment, horticulture, livestock, photo, art and commercial exhibits. Grimes is expecting the crowds to exceed 95,000 during the four days. This year’s family-oriented fair is built on the theme of “A Timeless Tradition.” One of the newest features is an Events Arena which provides information and how-to demonstrations on a variety of topics from taiko drumming to hula zumba to caring for orchids and pets. “It’s educational. It’s engaging and it’s interactive,” Grimes said. “We’re very much looking forward to it.”

Maui Economic Development Board’s Focus Maui Nui program will return to the Fair where it distributes a survey for residents. This year’s booth will be in the Horticulture section of the gymnasium. The surveys are an opportunity “take the pulse of the community” on core Focus Maui Nui strategies and values: education, environment, infrastructure, sustainable business and cultural values. Free hand-sanitizers will be provided. For more information about Maui Fair 2012, go to www.mauifair.com.