Rodeo makes return to O'ahu
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
WAIMANALO — Ivory Rock, a one-ton white bull known for "moving like a cat," puts its 64-2 record on the line this weekend, challenging any cowboy to stay mounted on his back for eight seconds.
• What: JN Chevrolet Hawai'i Professional Rodeo • When: Gates open 5 p.m. Friday; Frank De Lima 6:30 p.m.; rodeo 7 p.m. Gates open 2 p.m. Saturday; Frank De Lima 3:30 pm.; rodeo 4 p.m. • Where: New Town & Country Stables, 41-1800 Kalaniana'ole Highway, Waimanalo • Fee: $10 in advance, $12 at the gate, free to children under 4. • Tickets: Ticket Plus, 526-4400.
The JN Chevrolet Hawai'i Professional Rodeo, presented by the Hawai'i Council on Portuguese Heritage, brings back large-scale rodeo to O'ahu and helps perpetuate Portuguese culture.
At a glance
The island held no rodeos last year and only one in 2000.
More than 100 competitors have signed up for $25,000 in cash prizes and awards at the two-day event, to be held at New Town & Country Stables in Waimanalo.
Some 20 to 25 riders will vie for $3,000 in prize money and the prestige of outlasting the high-jumping, twisting and bucking bulls conquered by few.
"It's the longest eight seconds in the world," said Bud Gibson, owner of the stable, and livestock supplier for the event. "It's a dangerous sport. They can kill you; that's the bottom line."
The weekend event will include competitors from Ha-wai'i, the military and the Mainland. Men, women and children will participate in bareback bronco riding, saddle bronco riding, barrel racing and keiki barrel racing.
Audiences will be treated to a game of "Cowboy Poker," in which four or five cowboys sit with their hands on a table while a bull is released into the ring. The last man sitting at the table wins the game.
The event will feature entertainment by comedian Frank De Lima before the rodeo and Wayne R. Brooks, a nationally recognized announcer for such events as the Calgary Stampede and the California Rodeo Salinas. Kevin Higley, who has been "clowning" for 23 years, will be the clown and barrelman.
After a dismal fund-raiser last year after the 9/11 attacks, the Hawai'i Council on Portuguese Heritage decided to try something new this year and bring the rodeo back to O'ahu, said board member Keith DeMello.
"Hawai'i is hungry for rodeo," DeMello said.
The council is an umbrella organization for 13 groups that preserve and perpetuate the heritage and culture of the Portuguese in Hawai'i, including that of Portuguese cowboys and rodeo competitors.
Based throughout the state, the organizations sponsor cultural programs, scholarships, children's heritage camps, genealogy workshops and community and school presentations.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
