Every Raider looks forward to the annual ‘Iolani Family Fair, but does every Raider know the history behind the festivity? Whether you look forward to the fair all year or just use the following Monday off after the fair weekend as another way to get a break from school, the ‘Iolani Fair is a large part of our community and what makes us truly One Team.
This past fair marked the 77th anniversary of the ‘Iolani Family Fair, serving as a true testament to the community’s ability to come together to create everlasting memories and friendships. While the beauty of collaboration and teamwork behind the fair has remained constant, many other factors of the fair have changed since the first one in 1948.
The 1948 Fun Festival was put on to benefit building funds for the campus. The festival was sponsored by the Parent Teacher Group of ‘Iolani and was held on April 23-24. Standout factors of this Fun Festival included nightly dancing, an overall profit of $7,000 and rides like the miniature Ferris wheel. Similar to how the Parent Teacher Group of ‘Iolani sponsored the event to help fund new buildings, today the majority of the fair’s proceeds go back to the school community, specifically the students. The profit helps leverage school trips across all departments, including language, sports, arts and more.
Traditions truly started solidifying after 1992, when the name Fun Festival changed to Family Fair. From then on, a more consistent pattern of fair themes began to flourish. Out-of-the-box ideas like 2009’s Cruisin’ the Caribbean or the Mardi Gras Madness of 1999 are just a few examples of the many unique premises of the past. Nyla E. ’26, a current overall fair chair, said she loved the Dino Days theme of 2018, and adds, “It’s hard to think of themes that haven’t already been done yet, but I know our executive committee thought of themes along the lines of a candy land or a Disney fairytale which would both be awesome.”
As for the actual content of the fair, exciting lion dance performances, live singing and entertainment and even dancing were once prominent parts of the fair. In 1971, Ka‘a‘awa Farms had guava juice stands set up at different points of the fair, pairing well with delicious, student and alumni-run food stands for visitors to enjoy. Ella A. ’27, a current overall fair shadow, recalled one specific booth that left an everlasting impression on her fair experience throughout the years, saying, “I really wish we could bring back the henna tattoos as they were a big part of my childhood at the fair and I loved getting them in years prior.” Ms. Ernette Au, an overall advisor of the fair, explained the numerous things she misses from past fairs, noting, “Live entertainment by the performing arts department, produce provided by ‘Iolani parents, and Xtreme Games attractions that include the bouncy house and giant mazes were part of the tradition that are no longer a part of our current fair.” She also explains that a talent contest on the Saturday night of the fair along with a faculty dunking booth were included in the fair festivities.
While the big celebrations are truly spectacular and one of a kind, the little moments of joy sprinkled throughout the fair weekend are just as magical. Ms. Au shared, “Each year it’s so heartwarming to see the joy on the faces of students, faculty, and staff when they enter the fairgrounds on the first day.” She added that she also loves working with the fair executive student team and watching all their countless hours of collaboration pay off.
From a student perspective, Nyla said, “My favorite part of fair has always been working at arts and crafts in Keiki Kountry. I genuinely have so much fun doing face painting and glitter tattoos because I get to meet and talk to so many ‘Iolani Students—from Kindergarteners to Seniors.”
After reflecting on past and current fair festivities, it’s evident that the fair and its main events go through waves of change. After COVID hit, big rides supplied by EK Fernandez like Pharaoh’s Fury were no longer available. This upcoming 2025 fair, instead of selling the usual malasadas, the junior class will be making mochisadas for the first time ever. For the future, many students hope the big rides like The Zipper will make a reappearance; however, Nyla hopes for a new booth to make an entrance at the fair, noting, “I think it would be pretty cool to have a booth or tent for a fortune teller or a tarot card reader. I would definitely pay a couple of scripts to hear a fun fortune alongside my friends.”
Popular booths and attractions at the 2025 Cosmic Craze include Taste Tea boba at the Gourmet Drinks and Desserts booth, the colorful and stomach-churning Zero Gravity ride and the Fighting Eel merch at the marketplace. Despite slight modifications to the fair layout due to the construction zone of the Arrillaga Student Center, the fair was a wonderful success. From the beautiful lei po‘o crafted by hand to the delicious turkey legs, this year’s fair reflected ‘Iolani’s one-of-a-kind community yet again.
Whether it be the first ever Fun Festival in 1948 or the 2025 Cosmic Craze, one thing has remained the same throughout the years: the unique, One Team Spirit. Regardless of what has changed in the 77 years of this annual festivity, the fair has always served as a way to strengthen the Raider community for a beneficial cause. The fair will forever be an integral part of what makes each school year memorable and enjoyable for all.
