Hear squeals of delight at annual state fair

Lions and tigers and — pigs? Oh my. They’ll all be on hand as the 50th State Fair returns to Aloha Stadium next week for its annual monthlong run.

Headlining the frenzy of family fun will be Lufuno the white lion, a rare cat who stars in the "Walking with Lions" show, led by famed animal trainer Brian McMillan. Six lionesses will also be part of the act.

Pigs will be running hog wild at the fair, too, as "professional" pig racing puts in an appearance at the fair. Twelve pigs from Hedricks’ Exotic Animal Farm in Kansas will race for Oreo cookies. The tigers will be part of the Backyard Circus and Giant Puppet Parade, where kids get to dress in costume and parade around the grounds.

Fair promoter E.K. Fernandez also is bringing several circus acts to the fair, including the crowd-pleasing Maltese Family Circus and the tumbling Icarian-Risley act, an act usually performed only by family members because of the trust issues involved.

For the brave at heart and strong of stomach, there are three new rides: the Super Shot, a drop ride; Techno Power, a spinning ride; and the Rave, an indoor ride that employs centrifugal force. They will join classic favorites such as the Pharaoh’s Fury and the Zipper.

The fair is open Fridays at 6 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., Sundays at noon, with closing time usually between 11 p.m. and midnight. Fair dates are May 25-28 (noon opening on May 28) and June 1-3, 7-10 (6 p.m. opening on June 7), 15-17 and 22-24. Admission is $3 before 6 p.m., $5 after 6 p.m., $1 on May 25 and $2 on June 7. Children under 40" tall are free. See ekfernandez.com for details on showtimes.

Treat man’s best friend to a day of free games and fun

It’s time for your pup to get his or her game on.

The Hawaiian Humane Society’s Canine Game Day takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 26 at Thomas Square Park.

Pooches and people of all sizes are invited to play and frolic at this free family event.

Besides the Hawaii Wiener Derby, there will be a costume contest, games, obstacle courses and food for both people and dogs. The adoptable dog parade begins at 10:30 a.m. An awards ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Dogs that partake in a full day of play can enjoy a doggie cool-down area afterward.

Street parking is available, or park at the Neal Blaisdell Center for a flat rate of $6. Call 356-2225 or visit www.hawaiianhumane.org/CanineGameDay for more information.

Honu horde will flood water park

Adorable rubber turtles are taking over the water park next weekend. The seventh annual Hawaiian Honu Race is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wet ‘N’ Wild on May 26. Adopt a honu for $5, or pay $25 to adopt the critter and gain admission to the park. Adopt a honu on the day of the event and pay $28, including admission.

Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii including Hale Pono Ewa Beach Club, Waianae Club and the NFL Y.E.T. Hawaii Nanakuli Club.

Visit www.bgch.com to register. Call 668-9399 for information.

Kids to turn lemons into biz savvy

Students with an entrepreneurial spirit can launch their own lemonade business this summer as a part of Lemonade Alley.

Lemonade Alley, an annual competition for students in grades kindergarten to 12, guides kids through the process of running a business, from writing a simple business plan to building their lemonade stand, creating a recipe, promoting their product and pitching ideas to a panel of judges.

The competition culminates with an event July 8 at Magic Island, where the lemonade stands will open to the public, accompanied by entertainment from EMKE, Chaotic Five, Aidan James and Logix Sold Separately. Also, there will be food from Rainbow Drive-In and Yama’s Fish Market. Proceeds from the stands will be donated to charities chosen by the youth.

Teams comprising two to five kids will compete within their age divisions for $1,000 cash prizes. Winners also receive free admission to Camp BizGym, a business literacy program for entrepreneurs, from Aug. 14 to 19.

Visit lemonadealley.com to enter the contest. The deadline to enter is May 31.