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Big Island Event Calendar

Waiomina Centennial Celebration

08/16/2008 - 09/01/2008 Family Performing Arts Cultural Ag Tourism

This special centennial observance features a number of major events over a two-week period to celebrate the Year of the Paniolo (cowboy) in Hawaii, centered in the ranching community of Waimea. All events are open to the public and may be free or with some charge. For information on any of the events call (808) 769-0215 or visit www.paniolopreservation.org.

Paniolo Family Day (Saturday, Aug. 16) – A day for kids and adults with games, craft demonstrations and history and protocol of pau riding with demonstrations of pau wrapping. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the legendary Anna Ranch on Route 19 in Waimea. Free.

Opening Reception (Friday Aug. 22) – Come to the Historic Chock Inn Store, now the site of Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant, and commemorate the day Waimea paniolo Ikua Purdy surprised the cowboy world with his rodeo victory at the Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Wear your boots and hats. Silent and live auctions. Pupus, beer & wine included. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Fee.

Paniolo Day (Saturday, Aug. 23) – This all day paniolo event in Waimea features crafts by local artisans at the Parker Ranch Shopping Center and Waimea Shopping Center; “Old Hawaii on Horseback,” from 10 a.m. – noon, a costumed reenactment of various events key to the history of Hawaii first created by renown Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske, a Waimea ranch owner and cowgirl; and from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. a Hawaiian cowboy-style concert at YMCA Park with Melveen Leed, Jerry Santos and other entertainers. Fee.

Trail Ride and BBQ Dinner (Sunday, Aug. 24) – Join an authentic riding experience and participate in ranch activities at Kahua Ranch in North Kohala. Trail ride 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., ATV and wagon rides and BBQ dinner and entertainment 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Fee.

Parker Ranch Round-up Club Rodeo (Saturday, Aug. 30/ Sunday, Aug. 31) – Enjoy an exciting day of rodeo sponsored by the Parker Ranch employees and held at the Park Ranch Rodeo Grounds. Small fee.

An Evening at Puuopelu, Black and White Ball (Saturday, Aug. 30) – This formal dress evening is held at the lavish, historic home of the late Parker Ranch owner Richard Smart. A fundraising event for the Paniolo Preservation Society with entertainment by Jay Larrin and Richard Solmssen, silent and live auctions. 5:30 – 10 p.m. Fee.

Cowgirls of the Pacific (Monday, Sept. 1) – A brunch and fashion show with paniolo and Hawaiian attire by local designers and entertainment by Darlene Ahuna. Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant in Waimea. 11 a.m.

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