WAIMEA — The 5th Annual Waimea Town Celebration Rodeo saw both new and old faces at the top of the standings when the dust settled on Saturday. In the Po’o Wai U event, Ross Farias took home the top prize
WAIMEA — The 5th Annual Waimea Town Celebration Rodeo saw both new and old faces at the top of the standings when the dust settled on Saturday.
In the Po’o Wai U event, Ross Farias took home the top prize over Stanley Ornellas, Joey Lorenzo, Kahea White, and Kurtis Low.
Britni Ludington-Braun won the keiki barrel racing contest, followed by Cory Carveiro, Taylor Ludington, Wyatt Rita, Hallie Cristobal, and Marcus Shimogawa.
Marcus’ mom, Roseanne, was victorious in the wahine barrel racing category. Kelli Carveiro, Tami Yamamoto, Cheree Vasconcelles, and Penny Miranda rounded out the top five.
Kristene Sugai ran away with the wahine breakaway roping title, over Brittney Brun, Coralyn Murayama, Marti Snyder, and Roseanne Shimogawa.
In the open roping contest, Bert Miranda and Randy Brun teamed up for the win. Kurtis Low/Marcus Low, Pat Brun Jr./Stuart Wellington, Ross Farias/Bradda Kelekoma, Chaz Rita/Duane Shimogawa Sr., Justin Amaral/Braiden Malicki, and Bert Miranda/Tom Aiu held down spots 2-7.
Kurtis Low and Marcus Shimogawa took the fast go prize.
Alexis and Evan Vasconcelles triumphed in the rescue race, with Rhonda Kaui/Kamoi Refamonte, Kristyn Vasconcelles/Evan Vasconcelles, and Randy Brun/Cheree Vasconcelles making it into the top four.
In ribbon roping, Pat Brun Jr./Coralyn Murayama took top honors. Randy Brun/Kristyn Vasconcelles, John Ludington/Ho’olai Ludington-Braun, and Derwin Lemn/Kristene Sugai rounded out the top four.
In the highly anticipated mule race, Kalani Grace swooped up the top time, followed by Kona Wong, Toryn Kanoa, and Bryan Dato.
Ross Farias/Stanley Ornellas were the top double muggers, with Lance Fu/Scott Lizama, Bert Miranda/Kainoa Wong, Kaleo Kaui/Kamoi Refamonte, and Robert Rita/Michael Rita holding down spots, 2-5.
In century roping, Bert Miranda/Tom Aiu took the top spot, followed by Stuart Wellington/Jim Miranda, Clayton Chow/Lelan Nishek, Adam Brun/Pat Brun Sr., and Robert Rita/Pat Brun Sr. Miranda and Aiu also nabbed the fast go honor.
The No. 4 roping event came down to the wire, with Duane Shimogawa Sr. and Pat Brun Jr. taking home the buckles and the most cash.
Boots Ka’apana/Anthony Veriato, Levi Rita/Stanley Rita, Justin Amaral/Bert Miranda, Kawika Estacado/Stuart Wellington, Kamoi Refamonte/Chaz Rita, Kurtis Low/Clay Chow Jr., George Silva/Ross Farias, and Robby Farias/George Silva rounded out the top nine teams.
The next Kaua’i rodeo event (American Cowboy Team Roping Association No. 2 and American West Barrel Racing Assocation) happens on March 19 at the CJM Country Stables in Po’ipu. The festivities begin around 10 a.m.
