WAIMEA — Parker Ranch will celebrate Hawaiian cowboy heritage at the 56th annual Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races this Wednesday at Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea.
While saluting the nation’s independence, other nearby ranches will join Parker Ranch paniolo for a roundup of traditional rodeo events including horse races, ranch mugging and team roping. The events will showcase the skills that have made Hawaiian paniolo famous throughout the world and continue to keep the unique ranching lifestyle and culture alive in Hawaii.
The arena gates will open at 7 a.m. with a variety of crafts and food from local businesses. At 9 a.m. the grand entry parade will begin with traditional pomp and circumstance with the introduction of the ranch teams and raising of the flags. Fast-paced rodeo action will begin shortly thereafter.
Under the summer sky, horse racing action will begin at 9 a.m. with the 1/4mile, 1/8 mile and relay races. Skills and pride are on the line during the “friendly” ranch competition that will continue in the arena until noon.
Kids activities, including a petting zoo and pony rides, will be offered until the event concludes at 1 p.m. For a memento, Parker Ranch commemorative logo items will be available at the Parker Ranch Store booth.
Each year, an individual or group is recognized for what they have contributed to the island community. Parker Ranch will honor Mike Hudson from Wow Farms this year.
“We chose Mike Hudson as our honoree because of his involvement and service to our community, leadership in the agriculture industry and his love for Waimea and the Big Island,” Nahua Guilloz said, senior manager and corporate secretary for Parker Ranch and Parker Ranch Foundation Trust. “Mike is one of those ‘behind the scene guys’ you very rarely hear about, but who is doing so much good for our community.”
Tickets for the July 4 event are available in advance for $7 or $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free. Seating is limited.
The rodeo grounds are 37 miles by car from Kona International Airport and 57 miles from Hilo Airport on Highway 190.
Info: Call 885-7311 or visit www.parkerranch.com.