Yes, you can hula and be a cowboy or cowgirl. That’s the idea behind the 2007 Hawaii-themed Gala Fundraiser for the National Ranching Heritage Center May 19 in Lubbock, Texas. Proceeds will support preservation and maintenance of the 45 historic ranch structures at the site. A large silent auction of original art, collectible spurs, books, jewelry and gift items will be posted on the NRHC’s website for early bidding, with final bids taken at the gala. A coinciding exhibition in the center’s main gallery titled “Paniolo Traditions: Hawaiian Cowboys and Culture,” will also open to guests. This exhibit will feature examples of the paniolo, or Hawaiian cowbowy, lifestyle.
“Cowboys exist literally all across the globe,” curator Robin Crawford says. “But each culture has its own distinguishing characteristics. For example, paniolos wear cowboy hats, but the hatbands are made of flowers or shells or leaves, much like traditional leis. Many of the paniolos work on Hawaii’s historic Parker Ranch, which is featured in the exhibition.”
If leis, pineapple and grass skirts will complement your denim and spurs, you can find out more at www.nrhc.ttu.edu/gala2007.html.