Ho`omaika`i I Ka Hana Ho`ike`ike – Blessing the Hawai`i 50th State Fair
Celebrating a legacy spanning over 110 years and three generations of providing Hawai`i’s families with fun, amusement and the finest forms of entertainment, the E. K. Fernandez Shows Inc.’s the 50th State Fair officially opened on May 24th, 2013 at the Aloha Stadium with a Hawaiian style blessing by Kahu Silva. The event began with a gathering of the various vendors and representatives of the fair’s attractions in the “spirit of aloha.” Scott Fernandez the president of E. K. Fernandez Shows, Inc. officially greeted the carnival `ohana (family) and explained the significance of imparting and sharing mana (spiritual energy) in accordance with Hawaiian traditions.
Following his presentation, the haunting and bellowing calls of the pū (conch shell) heralded Kahu’s Silva’s presence and the spiritual start of the ceremonies. The services commenced with the offering of powerful prayer chants by Kahu to invoke the benevolent Akua (deities) and summon the `aumākua (guardian spirits) from mauka i makai (the mountains to the sea) to come forth and join in consecrating the occasion.
Assisting Kahu Silva with the ancient pī kai (sanctification ritual) to remove any taboos and the traditional wehena (unraveling) of the maile lei (flower garlands) were Scott Fernandez and E. K. Fernandez Shows, Inc.’s administrative office representative, Donna Smith. The blessing ceremonies culminated with those in attendance entering the fair grounds to an invitational welcome chant and greetings of “aloha.”
