Those fans, who were part of the 9,000 who filed through the gates for the week, were again treated to some of the best in rodeo action as more than 200 pro cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation and Canada worked hard in each of the eight events to take home a share of the nearly $60,000 paid out during the week.

The fans were again treated to closeups and replays of the action on the giant stadium-style screen mounted high over the stands, courtesy of the Shults Auto Group.

Rodeo Chairman Tom Atwell says that this rodeo is made possible by the nearly 100 businesses and individuals who help to sponsor this event each year. LandPro of Falconer is responsible for the tractors and other equipment necessary to move supplies and to keep the arena in top shape.

Head chef Kyle Van Akin and his wife Britta, who supervises the kitchen, report that nearly 3,000 fans showed up to enjoy the traditional beef barbecue dinners during the week. Atwell also emphasizes the importance of the approximately 150 volunteers, some of whom give up their vacation, to make this event possible.

Times Observer photo by Tim Frank Barrel racer Gabby Graham of Lake Luzerne, New York, competes Saturday.

The Painted Pony Pro Rodeo of Lake Luzerne, New York, again put on a “top notch” event as they brought more than 100 well-cared for stock to challenge the professional cowgirls and cowboys who travel from across the country. They also provide the chutes and the outstanding crew to make the event run smoothly. One of the most important persons involved is one of rodeo’s top announcers, Greg Simas, whose skill and knowledge of rodeo kept the fans informed about all the action. The “heart-stopping” trick riding of Coutney Schum was a fan favorite while clown Robb Gann added to the fun with his brand of humor.

The competitive action in Saturday night’s closing performance kicked off with the physically demanding bareback bronc event. Three cowboys made successful rides with Lane Evans from Lake Lucerne, New York, posting the high score of 75, followed by Ben Snell of Hemlock, New York, with a 65-point ride.

In the big man’s event, steer wrestling, Jacob Rounds of Broadalbin, New York, threw his steer to the arena dirt in a very fast 4.4 seconds, followed by Brayden Mahon at 5.1 and Dilon Holub at 5.6.

The team roping had only two teams succeed in roping the horns and hind legs of their steer with Cody Warner of Marathon, New York, and his partner, Kurt Warner of Montour Falls, New York, posting the fastest time of the week with a 6.2-second outing. A West Virginia cowboy, Shawn Tennant and his partner, Jason King from Georgia had the other qualified time at 11.3 seconds.

Will Stites of Jonestown topped the saddle bronc riders with a 70-point ride on Painted Pony’s mare Pretty Girl. Coleman Rae, who traveled from Fort Worth, Texas, scored 66 points on Boot Barn Silver.

Seven of the 10 cowgirls entered in the breakaway roping posted times. Tresley Culpepper of Poulen, Georgia, had one of the fastest times of the week with a time of 2.4 seconds. Second place went to Britney Butzer of Orville, Ohio, at 3.0. Two other cowgirls tied at 3.1 seconds.

The tie-down ropers had a very tough night as only one of the 10 entrants, Robbie Erck of Ft. Edward, New York, was successful in roping and tying the legs of his calf in a slow 17.5 seconds.

Only two cowgirls were able to break the 16-second barrier in the cloverleaf pattern barrel racing event. Jodi Colton of Afton, New York, was fastest with a time of 15.70. Second place went to Britney Butzer of Orville, Ohio, who was less than second behind at 15.99.

The last event of the rodeo, the bull riding, had the overflow crowd on the edge of their seats wanting to see a successful ride on this closing night as they knew the score — that only five cowboys had made qualified rides with the score reading Bulls 50, Cowboys 5 for the week, They were soon to have reason to cheer as one cowboy, Nathan Bayous of Woodstown, New Jersey, was successful with a 75-point ride, but no other rider up until the last man could stay aboard his bull for the required 8 seconds. At this point, announcer Greg Simas got the crowd to their feet cheering loudly as Deklan Garland from Cape May, New Jersey, took his seat on his bull. The gate swung open and Garland made one of the most spectacular rides ever in this arena, scoring 87 points. The last ride of the week ended the rodeo on an unforgettable note.

Atwell termed the rodeo “very successful” in their efforts to raise money to support the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department who answer more than 300 emergency calls each year. He thanked all the sponsors, volunteers and the loyal fans for their support.

As the volunteers closed the gates and turned out the lights on this event, they were already talking about next summer when they celebrate the 81st consecutive year of professional rodeo in this small town. Dates for that event are Aug. 2-5. Information about this rodeo, including history and up-to-date news is available at the rodeo website www.gerryrodeo.com.