Honoka‘a will be putting on its ten gallon hat next month, as Western Week rides around the bend once again, May 18-27. The public is invited to release their inner paniolo, get your boots on and join the fun. Talented singers, dancers and storytellers are busy rehearsing, soup-er stars are stirring up the secret family recipes, and everybody else is either watching, riding, shopping, eating, drinking, dancing, or kicking back and taking it all in.

As always, Western Week has something for everyone during its celebration of Hāmākua’s special breed of cowboy culture. The action starts with a parade down Mamane Street on Saturday, May 18 (street closes 2-11 p.m.) and ends up with a rodeo at the Rose Andrade Correia Arena. Highlights folks look forward to include the infamous Saloon Girls and Cowboys Got Talent Contest, Portuguese Bean Soup & Smoke Meat Contest, fun keiki events, and a rather extraordinary online Silent Auction (details coming soon!).

The auction is Western Week’s biggest fundraiser, helping connect the community with its agricultural and paniolo roots, and supporting scholarships for local youth. Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate with a donated item or service. Please contact Myrna Green at (808) 960-0366 for more information. All donations of any size or value are greatly appreciated.

Except for a nominal charge for rodeo admission, events are free, and everyone is encouraged to join in the fun. Collectible HWW buttons will be available to purchase for $5 as a show of support, as well as “insurance.” Although buttons are not required for admission, attendees receive fair warning that those without buttons at the Block Party risk being thrown into the hoosegow by roving sheriffs. (All in good fun).

How to participate

Honoka‘a Western Week is a volunteer-driven project supported by the Honoka‘a Business Association, Hāmākua Kohala Health, and many other sponsors and supporters celebrating Hāmākua’s paniolo heritage and unique cultural blend. At this time the HWW crew is actively recruiting:

• Western Week Parade Entries. Email Jenna, honokaawesternweekparade@gmail.com

• Saloon Girls and Cowboys Got Talent hopefuls. Email Alan, hwwtalent@gmail.com

• Vendors for the Block Party. Email Johnalyn, johnalyn808@yahoo.com or call (808)987-0356

• Contestants for Portuguese Bean Soup & Smoke Meat Contest. Email Mallion, portuguesebeansoup@gmail.com

• Vendors and volunteers for Hāmākua Harvest, Email Mallion, mallion@hamakuaharvest.org

• Silent Auction items. Contact Myrna Green at (808) 960-0366, or myrnagreen@hawaii.rr.com

• All other volunteers or donors, please contact hwwblockparty@gmail.com

Of course monetary support is more than welcome! Venmo us @honokaabusinessassociation or checks payable to “Honoka‘a Business Association” can be sent to P.O. Box 474, Honokaʻa HI 96727, attention: Honoka‘a Western Week. For more information and entry forms for all events, follow Honoka‘a Western Week on Facebook or visit www.honokaawesternweek.org (Updates coming soon!)