Waimea on Hawaii Island is gearing up for a week-long paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) festival, good news for the town's businesses and for families looking for a full slate of free-spirited community events.

• The 74th annual celebration runs all week, with banners and palaka flags going up across town starting Sunday.
• Monday is country bingo, including a rowdy "bingo after dark" session and a country music impersonator contest with prize money.
• Tuesday brings a line dance competition drawing dancers from across the island, and Wednesday revives the kalua smoke contest after a six-year absence.
• Thursday is the paniolo cook-off at Pukalani Stables, and Saturday closes with the big parade and hula.
• Entry is by metal medallion modeled on the royal orders, sold around town and at event doors, with off-island shipping available on request.

Outlook: The week builds to Saturday's parade, and organizers are inviting visitors from all the islands to attend.