The Panaewa Stampede Rodeo continues to highlight the paniolo skills of local cowboys, cowgirls, keiki and traveling rodeo contestants with the 31st annual event this year.
The two-day rodeo is back at the Al Cabral Rodeo Arena at the Panaewa Equestrian Center and will begin an hour earlier than normal at 11 a.m. this Saturday and Sunday.
“We want to start a little earlier to have a solid day where everyone can get home at a good hour,” said rodeo organizer Nancy Cabral. “We have a lot of things going on with a good group of cowboys and cowgirls ready to compete.”
Spectators can experience the competitive rodeo skills born from the island’s deep ranching history that are still practiced today. The rodeo features competitions such as, calf roping, team roping, breakaway, barrel racing and the events unique to Hawaii, Po‘o Wai U and ribbon mugging.
“Our programs will feature all the contestants, comeptitions and the history of the paniolo in Hawaii,” Cabral said. “We like to feature the uniquely Hawaii events, like Po‘o Wai U, which comes from the days when the Hawaiian monarchy would ask paniolo to tie the wild cattle that ran free to trees.”
The Panaewa Stampede Rodeo will feature familiar talent with Mike Wallace as the Rodeo Clown, Brent Jordan as the announcer and Brian Rapier as the soundman. Judd Napier and Kaipo Soledade will return as the professional bull fighters.
This year, six wahine are running for Rodeo Queen, which is the largest amount of contestants the rodeo has had at one time. The contestants include Adelaide Jose-Kaleopaa, Chazlyn Noble, Chesni Aku, Hina Lindsey, Peyton Kekaualua-Tavares and Toni Ishii.
“We’ve had an amazing number of sponsors and are selling tickets faster than normal because of the six girls running for Rodeo Queen,” Cabral said. “We’re expecting a big crowd and praying for sunshine.”
The rodeo will have plenty of local craft vendors as well as food and snack trucks that will be available throughout the days.
More adventurous audience members can also get in the arena with a bull for a cash reward. Participants must sign a consent form, be over 18-years old and be sane and sober.
Every year, the Panaewa Stampede Rodeo gives cowboys and cowgirls of all ages the opportunity to display their skills along with the chance to win custom buckles, saddles and even cash.
Those who win an event will receive a buckle engraved with the specific event, the rodeo and the year. The cowboy and cowgirl who win the most events will each receive a buckle and a cash prize. The Rodeo Queen will win a custom buckle, saddle and a crown.
Tickets are still available for $10 when purchased at Day-Lum Rentals, which can be found at its new location in Hilo at 1465 Kilauea Ave.
Tickets purchased online and at the gate are $15 for each day. For more information and purchasing, visit hawaiirodeostampede.com.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com
