The Paniolo Preservation Society programs

Education –The Waimea elementary and junior high schools took to the Centennial readily, and began programs in local history, music and dance. These extended out to include botany, biology, and other sciences. Six teachers were included in the 2008 Cheyenne delegation from Waimea. They conducted workshops with Cheyenne teachers on aspects of teaching ranch-related subjects, including music, dance, history and natural history.

Fundraising –PPS, like other nonprofits, struggles for funding. We have received welcome assistance from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Richard Smart Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation, the Will J. Reid Foundation, Hawaii County and the State Foundation for Culture and the Arts in 2006-2008.  Some private donors also stepped forward to support the 2008 Waiomina Centennial events.

Ikua Purdy Monument - Fred Fellows, a well-known Western artist, designed a larger-than-life bronze statue representing Ikua Purdy roping a wild steer.  It stands in Waimea town.  A studio casting (left) was presented to the Old West Museum in Cheyenne, WY in gratitude for their work in creating the paniolo exhibit now on permanent display there. 

Waiomina Centennial – this yearlong event concluded successfully in 2008. See also Cheyenne Frontier Days historical photos from 1908, CFD web site.