It’s getting started
Gerry Rodeo begins tonight at 5
Submitted Photo Bull riding will be one of the eight exciting events on all four nights of the 81st annual Gerry Rodeo.
Submitted Photo The bullfighters risk their own safety every night to protect the cowboys when they are thrown to the arena dirt.
Submitted Photo Bull riding will be one of the eight exciting events on all four nights of the 81st annual Gerry Rodeo.
Submitted Photo The bullfighters risk their own safety every night to protect the cowboys when they are thrown to the arena dirt.
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GERRY, N.Y. -- The Gerry Fire Department's annual rodeo is being recognized nationwide as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in Colorado has just released the names of more than 200 pro cowboys and cowgirls from more than 30 states and Canada who have signed up for this 81st annual event, and the list includes, for the first time, two World Champions.
Rocker Steiner, a young star in bareback bronc event, has qualified for four consecutive PRCA Finals in Las Vegas, and won his first gold buckle in December. He won more than $500,000 last year and will be making Gerry one of his first stops as he recovers from neck surgery,
Riley Webb is recognized as one of the greatest tie-down ropers of all time as he has won three consecutive World Championships in that event. He will be traveling from Texas to compete here.
Tom Atwell, rodeo chairman, says everything is "go" and feels that he and his volunteers are prepared to put on an outstanding four nights of rodeo action. Leading the way in the entries are the bull riders with 15 signed up to compete tonight, while the steer wrestling and bareback events each have 12. All eight traditional rodeo events are contested each of the four nights as the cowboys and cowgirls compete for a share of the $50,000 prize money.
Dozens of pickup trucks, horse trailers, RV's, and tents fill the 50-acre rodeo location as approximately 220 professional cowboys and cowgirls from more than 30 states are arriving. The stock contractor, Painted Pony Championship Rodeo, has transported more than 100 head of outstanding stock via tractor trailer from their ranch in Lake Lucerne, as well as setting up the fences and chute gates.
The smoke is rolling from the pits, filling the air with the aroma of more than 1,200 pounds of beef that is being prepared over wood fires for the dinners beginning at 5 tonight. The last of the more than 20 vendors are setting up their tents and trailers where they will offer many kinds of food items, souvenirs, and Western wear. About 150 volunteers are scrambling to put the finishing touches on what Atwell says is the best prepared they have ever been for opening night.
Familiar names are back to provide the fans with a top-notch rodeo experience. Announcer Greg Simas, who has performed around the world, will again be describing the action from his seat on horseback in the arena. Preston Braxson, a high school agriculture teacher who has become one of pro rodeo's most outstanding clowns, will entertain the crowd with his special brand of humor and his homemade hot rod ambulance.
The competition begins at 8 tonight and continues nightly through Saturday and features the eight traditional rodeo events -- saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and the ever-dangerous bull riding as well as cowgirls' barrel racing and breakaway roping.
The "once-a-year' wood-cooked beef barbecue dinners are served each evening with gravy, salad, cottage cheese, kettle-browned potatoes, roll, the secret barbecue sauce, ice cream and a drink. from 5-8 and the midway also opens at 5.
Special events for the week include a $10 admission on Thursday for military and first responders who have proper ID, a breast cancer awareness night on Saturday where everyone is asked to wear pink with donations going to Roswell Park Cancer Center, and a free kids' rodeo at 4 p.m. Saturday.
For safety reasons caused by overcrowding, all tickets are "date specific." Presale tickets for both the rodeo and the dinners are available at the rodeo website www.gerryrodeo.org or by phone at 716-985-4847 throughout the week. Tickets are also available at the rodeo office or ticket booths if not sold out. Additional information is available at the website or the above phone numbers.
All proceeds go to the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department in their efforts to protect the safety, health, and property of area residents as they answer more than 300 calls each year. Fans are reminded that the event is alcohol free. Parking is free but donations are appreciated.