Honolulu Family Festival Returns to Magic Island in August 2008 Third Annual Festival Extended to Eight days: August 7 to 10 and August 14 to 17 Featuring Food, Live Entertainment, and Thrilling New Rides by E.K. Fernandez Shows!

Honolulu 100, which oversaw the City’s year-long centennial celebration in 2006, has extended the Honolulu Family Festival at Magic Island from one to two weekends this August. The festival is set for Thursday, August 7 to Sunday, August 10 and Thursday, August 14 to Sunday, August 17, 2008.

"After two successful years of tens of thousands of families and keiki in attendance, the committee decided to extend the Festival to eight days this year," said Festival Chairperson Fran Kirk. "We are very excited and welcome everyone to attend to take part in all the sensational rides, great entertainment, and delicious food we have in store for them."

Last year, more than 65,000 people attended the Honolulu Family Festival.

"The event brings families and friends together and reminds many of back in the day when fairs where held and everyone gathered at the park to celebrate," said Honolulu 100 President Linda Wong. "Everyone should have the opportunity to experience Magic Island this way, that’s why it’s so important for us to bring back the festival again."

The Honolulu Family Festival at Magic Island will feature E.K. Fernandez Midway of Rides, Games and Food for all ages to enjoy including a thrilling new Fireball ride! Dozens of food booths by non-profit organizations will also be available. This year the live entertainment line-up includes The Flying Maltese Trapeze Show, Hedrick's Racing Pigs, Backyard Circus & Puppet Parade, and various local artists in the community tent.

The Flying Maltese of Venezuela have been performing for 12 years throughout the world, including Europe, Central America and the Carribean. They'll perform 3 times a day during the weekend shows. Their show includes aerialists, comedy and balancing acts.

Admission is free for live shows and entertainment with scrip for food and rides available for purchase. Proceeds will go to the City to renew and repair Ala Moana Park, where Magic Island is located.

In addition, the Police Activities League (PAL) is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. They will be participating at the festival with information booths along with demonstrations by their Specialized Services Division. Its Canine Unit will be performing two special shows on Sunday, August 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The wildly popular all-you-can-ride wristbands are now on sale for the 2008 Honolulu Family Festival at Magic Island through Ticketmaster outlets at Times Supermarkets. For a just one flat fee, festival attendees can hop on as many new and thrilling E.K. Fernandez rides as they choose on one of the following five designated festival days and time periods:

• Saturday, August 9 Noon to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, August 10 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Thursday, August 14 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, August 16 Noon to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, August 17 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Wristbands cost $18 plus Ticketmaster fees and are available at Ticketmaster outlets at Times Supermarkets from Monday through Saturday until 7 p.m., and on Sunday until 4 p.m. Wristbands will not be sold after 4 p.m. on the festival’s last day on Sunday, August 17. The wristbands will also be available for purchase at the Honolulu Family Festival only on Thursday, August 14 for $20.

The 2008 Honolulu Family Festival at Magic Island musical entertainment line-up:

Thursday, August 7
7:00 p.m. Country Line Dancing

Friday, August 8
5:45 p.m. Royal Hawaiian Band
6:30 p.m. Frank DeLima
8:30 p.m. Na Hoahanau

Saturday, August 9
4:00 p.m. Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble
7:00 p.m. The Gregg Hammer Band
9:00 p.m. Johnny Helm

Sunday, August 10
12:30 p.m. Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble

The Honolulu Family Festival is presented by Mayor Hannemann, the City and County of Honolulu, Honolulu 100 and E.K. Fernandez Shows. For more information, call (808) 924-1907 or visit www.HonoluluFamilyFestival.com.

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