Roy Silva has accepted the role of Maui Fair Director for the first time this year. “I’ve always loved the fair. I think it’s the greatest tradition Maui has,” he says. A former county employee, Silva served for nine years as its Parade Committee chairman. As Fair Director, he takes charge of all the committees and dozens of volunteers who operate the event starting Thursday and running through Sunday at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku. As many as 5,400 participants including five grand marshals, Hawaii Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz and Mayor Alan Arakawa are scheduled to appear in Thursday’s parade, scheduled to begin at 4.30 p.m.

Silva said he wanted to serve his community in a unique way and took the opportunity to lead the Fair when he was offered the chance. This year’s Fair theme “A Timeless Tradition” represents what the event has meant to the thousands who have come to enjoy rides, learn from exhibits, indulge in local food and support nonprofits that use the Fair to raise money. “The Maui Fair is the oldest family tradition on island. You just can’t beat it,” Silva said. “There’s always a chance you’ll run into someone you know or haven’t seen for a long time.”

FOCUS MAUI NUI will be at the Fair again this year, gathering the opinions of the community with its Annual “Pulse of the People” 2011 Poll. FOCUS MAUI NUI is a voice, a plan, a vision for Maui County’s future created for and by the people who live here – people like you. Participate in the process by letting your views be known. Youth Alliance members and other volunteers will be on hand to help gather your points of view. Visit FOCUS MAUI NUI at the Entrance Lanai of the War Memorial Gym during Fair hours.