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July 03, 2007
Here it is July already; in Makawao that means planning for two big events – the annual Paniolo Parade through Makawao town heralding the official start of the 52nd Fourth of July Rodeo at Oskie Rice Arena on Olinda Road, and the Rodeo itself.
For the last 41 years this parade has delighted and entertained thousands of Maui residents and visitors alike; 2007 marks its 42nd year.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Lucky We Live Maui County” and it will be lucky indeed this year, taking place on a very special day, Saturday, July 7, 2007 (07/07/07).
The parade is sponsored by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, made possible with the help of many enthusiastic volunteers and directed by Theresa Thompson Shishido, who says, “It’s a family tradition. My whole family and I have been involved in the parade my entire life, either judging or riding or working. My dad, Charley Thompson, was the first Grand Marshall back in 1965.
I do it all – raise money, organize, get permits, type up the judges’ sheets, everything. This year the Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona, will be attending, and our Mayor Charmaine Tavares will be riding. We have lots of horse clubs and local businesses participating. It’s going to be a wonderful parade!”
There will be traditional pa‘u riders, a Rodeo Queen and Princesses, floats sponsored by local businesses and politicians, music and good fun.
Among the colorful local paniolo riding in the parade will be Rose Freitas, a longtime Makawao resident who is the first woman from the state of Hawai‘i to have been inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas. She has participated in the parade for over 37 years, winning many awards. Last year, she won the Lieutenant Governor’s award for her spectacular costume depicting the Statue of Liberty. Rose, who spends months every year making costumes for herself and her horse, said, “It gives me great pleasure to participate in this traditional community celebration that helps perpetuate our western heritage and honors America’s great Independence Day.”
The roads into Makawao will closed at 8:45 am on the 7th. The parade itself will start at 9:00 a.m. and continue until about 11:00 a.m. There is no parking in Makawao town except at the Eddie Tam Gym, but there is a free shuttle service if you park at Oskie Rice Arena.
The best places to view the parade are along Makawao and Baldwin Avenues. Space fills up fast, so bring your beach chairs and umbrellas, lots of sunscreen and a cowboy hat. Plan to arrive early and settle in to enjoy the show.
There are lots of art galleries, restaurants and wonderful little shops to visit after the last horse has gone by, so plan to stay awhile and spend your lucky day upcountry in beautiful Makawao town.
For more information please call Theresa Thompson Shishido, Parade Director, at 572-9565.
Jan Welda
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