4 Thursday, June 29, 2017 Island Beat Hawaii Tribune-Herald Races is a great showcase for the versatility of ranch workhorses. “All the horses that compete in the races have to be working ranch horses,” she explains. There’s more to the event than just competition. The Hawaii Quarter Horse Youth Association will offer horse rides and Alohi Akamai will operate a petting zoo for keiki. There also will be a variety of crafts and food available from local businesses, including Village Burger, Hina Rae’s Hula Mama’s Funnel Cakes & Fried Oreos, Aunty Peaches’ Onolicious Poi Balls and selections prepared by North Hawaii Little League and Waimea Athletics. The Parker Ranch Rodeo and Horse Races first started thanks to a contingent of 50,000 Marines and Army soldiers who were secretly stationed at camp Tarawa at the ranch during World War II. At the time, there was no arena, just a race track, so soldiers stood as a “human arena” to hold the rodeo and races. After Parker Ranch started this event up again, they made it a part of the festivities to recognize an individual or group who has contributed to the island community. This year, Parker Ranch honors cattleman and rancher James Greenwell, who worked for 32 years for Palani Ranch Co. (serving as president for 20 years) before retiring in 2012. “This is our 170th anniversary, and we felt Jimmy would be the perfect person because he embodies the richness of our 170-year-old paniolo heritage,” Guilloz says. “It’s about honoring the past but knowing how to move into the future. Jimmy is a paniolo who has been active in supporting agriculture in Hawaii and continues to promote our industry every day. “In addition, he is a cowboy — a man’s man. He has run his family ranch, Palani Ranch, for many years with thoughtful, innovative leadership, yet he remains very humble. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, but can also speak up in a public forum with thoughtful eloquence that supports not just the big ranchers but also the little guys, too.” Greenwell’s family business started with his great-grandfather W.N. Greenwell, who came to Kona in 1850. The ranch was passed down through the generations, and James Greenwell grew up on that ranch. “I have always loved the life and have always been attracted to and motivated by the people in the cattle industry and their passion for what they do, from cowboys to managers,” he says. “I also just love working with livestock and the natural resources with which we are blessed. While being responsible for good land stewardship for the benefit of future generations can be challenging, it also is very necessary and rewarding.” Greenwell, who also served as president of the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and the Hawaii Cattle Producers Cooperative Association, said the Parker Ranch Rodeo and Horse Races is an annual event that reminds people of the special relationship between the ranch and Waimea. “The ranch’s roots run deep in the community and vice versa,” Greenwell says. “Traditions are important and sharing those traditions with neighbors — ranchers and otherwise — is appreciated by all.” And, the event is just a whole lot of fun, to boot. “I know of nowhere else where cowboy horse racing and rodeo are combined,” Greenwell says. “While there are some really good rodeo competitors working for ranches, this event also brings out some really good cowboys who aren’t regular rodeo competitors. It’s an excellent competition.” Tickets are $7 in advance, available at Parker Ranch Store, or $10 at the gate. Children 11 and younger are free. Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena is located at 67-1439 Ala Ohia Street in Waimea. For more information, call 885-7311 or visit www.parkerranch. com. Email Katie Young Yamanaka at BIVHawaii@gmail.com. RODEO From page 2 Photo: NANCY ERGER Councilman Tim Richards competes in a prior Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena.
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