The public is invited to the sixth Kaua‘i All Girls Rodeo Association event this Sunday starting at 10 a.m. at the CJM Country Stables in Po‘ipu. Coming off a successful showing Saturday when KAGRA cowgirls greeted guests to the American
The public is invited to the sixth Kaua‘i All Girls Rodeo Association event this Sunday starting at 10 a.m. at the CJM Country Stables in Po‘ipu.
Coming off a successful showing Saturday when KAGRA cowgirls greeted guests to the American Cancer Society’s Hoedown for Hope at the Kilohana Plantation, Saturday night, the cowgirls return to the arena to compete in a variety of fast-paced rodeo events.
The day starts with the Grand Entry when almost all participants enter the arena headed by flag bearers carrying the American flag, the Hawai‘i state flag and the KAGRA banner in an impressive show of force.
Events include Barrel Racing, Steer Undecorating, Goat Tying, Pole Bending, Breakaway Roping and Dally Team Roping.
Between events there is time to visit the lunchwagon and indulge in local grinds under the shade of the ironwood trees overlooking the Po‘ipu arena.
Cowgirls compete for points that are awarded from one to ten in each event, the highest points going to the first place winner descending to the 10th place.
The cowgirl with the highest point total for the year will be named the “All Around Cowgirl” with the second highest point total being named the “Reserve All Around Cowgirl.” Individual awards from first to third place overall in each event are also presented at the end of the season.
Kristyn Vasconcelles, currently attending college, earned the 2008 All Around Cowgirl honors, her second straight title, following last year’s season with Coralyn Murayama getting the 2008 Reserve All Around Cowgirl title.
KAGRA was founded in 1999 by 11 riders who had a vision of providing an opportunity for women to compete in the sport of rodeo, states the KAGRA Web site.
From that 11 original riders, KAGRA has grown to more than 40 members ranging in age from grade schoolers to grandmothers, many continuing the ranching legacy from Kaua‘i’s first paniolo.
KAGRA is a non-profit organization that operates under the YMCA of Kaua‘i with support from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and the County of Kaua‘i Cultural Enrichment Program.
This makes it possible for KAGRA to host the event with no admission charge for spectators.
For more information, visit the KAGRA Web site at www.kauaiallgirlsrodeo.com.
