Ikua Purdy's leather hat 
Eban Law (front), Ikua Purdy (center back)
(l) Amanda Alamea Igaki, (center) Keoni Coelho, (r) Tammie Ha'awina Chaumillon The Cheyenne Frontier Days Museum's exhibit, Hawaiians Take Cheyenne had it's opening reception on May 9. The exhibit features items from 1908 when Hawaiian cowboy Ikua Purdy won 1st place in roping at the rodeo. Newspaper clippings about the Hawaiians' arrival in San Francisco; Hawaiian saddles and ropes; photos of how the Hawaiian's herded cattle onto the ships stationed off the coasts of the islands, were just a few of the fascinating memorabilia. There were also Hawaiian dancers from the Halau Hula O Na Mauna Pohaku Hula School of the Rocky Mountains in Denver. Ikua Purdy's great, great, great, great granddaughter was there and did a Hawaiian dance. Keoni Coehlo from Hawaii with Hawaiian-Way Entertainment & Promotion provided island guitar playing and singing. There were island appetizers, and drinks served with those little folding umbrellas. A great turnout.
If you're in Cheyenne, the Museum is a great place to explore.
