One hundred years ago, in August 1908, newspaper headlines in Wyoming and Hawaii announced rodeo history when an unprecedented 12,000 spectators watched three Hawaiian paniolo—cowboys— carry off top awards at the world-famous Cheyenne Rodeo. This initiated a “sister city” relationship between Cheyenne and Waimea, a fusion of two cultures that continues today. In celebration of this centennial milestone, the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum is holding an outstanding exhibit on the paniolo, May 10 through November 15, 2009. Additionally, a delegation from Hawaii representing its ranching industry will visit July 18-27 during Cheyenne Frontier Days™, bringing with them a sampling of Hawaii’s unique paniolo culture.

The three Hawaiian paniolo competed in steer roping at the 1908 Cheyenne rodeo. Unlike today’s calf-roping, riders back then lassoed powerful, full-grown steers. Under drizzling skies, Purdy won the World’s Steer Roping Championship by roping, throwing and tying the steer in 56 seconds flat. Kaaua and Low took third and sixth place respectively. The Wyoming hosts were caught off guard by the paniolos exotic Hawaiian dress and native language. On arriving home in Hawaii, they were met by thousands of cheering fans, and honored by parades and festivities. They literally put Hawaii on the map for the ranching world. 

The museum’s exhibit celebrates the history Cheyenne has shared with Hawaii since 1908. Its focus is on the impact that the three paniolos— Ikua Purdy, Eben “Rawhide Ben” Low, and Archie Kaaua— had on Cheyenne Frontier Days™ and the impact Cheyenne Frontier Days™ had on them. The exhibit takes visitors back one hundred years to the time when destinies were born and legends were made. Using popular media of the era, artifacts, educational interactives, and oral and dance traditions of Hawaii, visitors will understand how the culture of the paniolo was a natural fit for the events leading up to the rodeo, the competition itself and how their success fostered legends.