Fun Things To Do on the Big Island – 4th of July Parker Ranch Horse Races & Rodeo in Waimea

The 4th of July may mean fireworks for many, but here in Waimea it means the annual Parker Ranch Horse Race and Rodeo. This event is a fun day of racing, rodeo events, eating, and seeing friends from around the island. This year’s event will be the 50th annual race.

The Main Event

The main event of the day is the horse races that are between the Paniolo representing the local ranches. The races are a relay event with a baton being passed from cowboy to cowboy atop a galloping horse.

Word from the feed store is they have sold lots of oats lately – this feed makes horses hot and ready to run. If you want to see the best of working cow horses here on the  Big Island, this is the place to see some fast horses. Plenty of thrills and hopefully no spills.

Details

The Horse Race and Rodeo starts at 9AM on Wednesday July 4th and runs to about noon. Tickets are family priced – just $5 in advance or $6 at the gate and children under 10 are free. The rodeo events include ribbon mugging, ranch mugging, dally team roping and  the unique-to-Hawai‘i Po‘o Wai Uo. In the past there have been pony rides for kids, and of course, there is plenty of food and souvenirs.

Oh, if you’re not familiar with the weather in Waimea, let me suggest you pack a rain jacket and some pants. There is a covered bleacher section at the Parker Ranch arena, but if race day is windy and rainy, you’ll want to be prepared.

I have my ticket already – hope to see you there! I love The Big Island! Aloha.