The wild wild west of paniolo country

The paniolo from Kaua‘i, and even some from off-island, enjoyed a night of music, dancing and prizes last week Saturday at Kuhio Lounge in the Aston Aloha Beach Hotel. The first Paniolo Country Party was a success, and it will continue as an annual event.

We checked it out and saw several paniolo who came out of the boondocks. There were guys tucked in their nicest shirts and roughest pair of jeans, and women dressed in their best country outfits. Hats and boots everywhere completed everyone’s country looks.

The fun started at 9 p.m. and went all the way until 1 a.m., showing that those rough, country people know well how to throw a heck of a party.

Throughout the night, several paniolo competed in roping, best cowboy hat, best cowboy couple and, believe it, best bow legs. Prizes included hotel stays, picnic, fishing passes, horseback rides, dinner certificates, ATV rides and even bales of hay.

DJ Podahgee and Pat Victorino took care of the sound, besides emceeing the night. Between competitions, the paniolo showed on the dance floor that they can dance, either with their other half, or in a good ol’ line dance.

The folks at the popular Wailua resort always come up with new ways to bring fun to a wide range of musical tastes. Stay tuned for upcoming events. For more information call 823-6000.