The legacy of Hawaii's paniolo is being celebrated this year with events here and in Wyoming. The Great Waiomina Centennial celebration – Waiomina is Hawaiian for Wyoming – will include rodeos, trail rides, style shows, concerts, horse races and cook-offs.
The Waiomina Centennial, sponsored by the Paniolo Preservation Society, comes a century after legendary paniolo Ikua Purdy took Cheyenne by storm. The famous paniolo was recently inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame. His great-grandfather, John Palmer Parker, founder of Parker Ranch, also was honored this year when he was inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's Hall of Great Westerners.
The Paniolo Preservation Society has launched a campaign to establish a regional Ranching and Paniolo Cultural Center that will house artifacts and natural history representing Hawaii's working cowboy. The Center will also serve as an archival depository for historical documents, maps and photos related to the history of paniolo. For more information, visit www.paniolopreservation.org
WAIOMINA CENTENNIAL EVENTS CALENDAR:
JULY 4
Rodeo at the Parker Ranch arena in Waimea. The rodeo will feature paniolo from ranches around the island with action-packed events, children's activities and food. Tickets are available at the Parker Ranch Store or at the gate. Children 10 & under free. www.parkerranch.com info@parkerranch.com
AUGUST 16
Free Pa'u Demonstration, Anna Ranch, 10 a.m.
"Real Beef by Real Cowboys," Pukalani Stables, 3 p.m. Admission fee.
AUGUST 23
Craft Fair, Parker Ranch & Waimea shopping centers, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
“Old Hawaii on Horseback,” Minukeole Park, 10 a.m, Admission fee.
Horse races , 4 p.m., and Hawaiian paniolo music concert, 5:30 p.m., Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena. Admission fee.
AUGUST 24
Trail Ride, Pono Holo/Kahua Ranch, 10 a.m.
Paniolo Stew Cook Off and BBQ, Kahua Ranch, 3 p.m. Admission fee.
AUGUST 29
Paniolo Pa'ina, Pukalani Stables, 6 p.m. Admission fee.
There is nothing like a real paniolo pa'ina to celebrate Hawaiian cowboys. A great family event, the Pa'ina will feature performances by local hula dancers.
AUGUST 30-31
Parker Ranch Labor Day Rodeo, Waimea.
AUGUST 30
An evening at Pu'uopelu, historic home of the last Parker Ranch owner, Richard Smart. 5:30 p.m. Admission fee.
SEPTEMBER 1
Cowgirls of the Pacific brunch and fashion show, Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant in Waimea, 10 a.m. Admission fee.
