MEDIA RELEASE

A photo display and talk story about Richard Smart, his life, his family, and his Broadway and supper club career will be a focal point of an Open House at Parker Ranch’s historic homes 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18.

Puuopelu and Mana Hale will be open to the public free of charge and visitors will be able to tour the homes of the Parker family, founders of one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the United States.

Paniolo Preservation Society will offer photo displays about Smart and Parker Ranch and talk story about this last member of the Parker family to live in Puuopelu.

Smart, who died in 1992, was as well-known for his Broadway successes as he was for being the owner of Parker Ranch. The displays will include photos from a soon-to-be-released biography of Smart as well as a select number of photos featuring Parker Ranch history. 

The Open House coincides with Waimea’s 35th Annual Paniolo Parade & Waimea’s Hoolaulea, part of the annual Hawaii Island Festival’s 30 Days of Aloha celebration featuring the culture, history, music and arts of Hawaii.

The historic homes are located south of Kamuela’s town center, along Hwy. 190; watch for the warrior sign that designates a historic site.

— Find out more:
Parker Ranch: 885-7311, www.parkerranch.com
Paniolo Preservation Society: www.paniolopreservation.org