It’s almost magic! A few short hours ago announcer Greg Simas was wrapping up the final performance of 76th Gerry Volunteer Fire Department’s 76th annual by bidding farewell and safe travels to the capacity crowd who had filled the rodeo arena for the fourth consecutive night. The parking lots were full, more than fifty RV’s, horse trailers, tents, pick-up trucks belonging to the 240 contestants, who had traveled from 35 states to compete, surrounded the arena, the pasture was filled with Painted Pony’s broncs and bulls, while fans made their last-minute purchases at the concession stands.
By daybreak, the entire area is empty. The stock, the trucks, the campers, the contestants, the chutes, all the equipment have moved on down the highway. What had been a bustling “city” is now a “ghost town, but what remains is a grateful volunteer fire department and its hard-working rodeo committee who depend on the rodeo for their major support as they protect the lives and property in the area.
Rodeo chairman Tom Atwell reports that this was one of the most successful rodeos here in recent years with nearly 10,000 fans filing through the gates during the four-day event, while Chef Bruce Gustafson and his staff of volunteers served approximately 3600 dinners. Atwell adds that this event is made possible only through the support of the fans who attend and the approximately 150 volunteers who work tirelessly all week. He added that the rodeo committee will begin plans for nest year in a few weeks and urges fans to put August 3-6, 2022, on their calendar for the 77th annual rodeo.
A brand-new addition, which added much to the enjoyment of the fans, was a large video screen which gave the fans close-up views of the action through three camera angles, as well as providing instant replays. This also allowed fans around the world to view the action her on the Cowboy Channel app. This was made possible through grant from the PRCA and the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency.
This rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in Colorado Springs, who constantly work to provide top-notch competition while protecting the safety and welfare of both the cowboys and the livestock involved. All contestants must be members of this organization.
A total of nearly $80,000 was paid out in prize money to contestants in the eight traditional rodeo events. The fire department puts up $43,000 of that total, while the rest comes from entrée fees paid by the contestants who enter. The fees vary from $90 to $300, depending on the event, with the roping events having the highest fee.
Following are the top money winners in each event:
Bareback Riding
Tanner Phipps Dalton, GA $2228
Matthew Smith Saraland, AL $1707
Tyler Waite Martin, TN $1262
Steer Wrestling
Cord Spradley Hoboken, GA $1385
Olin Ellsworth Warrensburg, NY $1040
Chad Stoltzfus Conowingo, MD $693
Saddle Bronc Riding
Trey Watts Marshall, MO $2430
Parker Kempfer Deer Park, FL $1863
Jack Bentz Crane, OR $1377
Tie-down Roping
Zane Kilgus Watsontown, PA $1660
J.R. Myers Felton, PA $1244
Charlie Goerlach Greenfield Center, NY $830
Team Roping
Troy Musser Jersey Shore, PA $1414
Britt Brockius Moore Haven, FL $1414
Jacob Rounds Broadalbin, Ny $1170
Shawn Quinn Schuylerville, NY $1170
Bradley Massey Perry, FL $926
Zach Mabry Piedmont, AL $926
Ladies Breakaway Roping
Sierra Ellsworth Hudson Falls, NY $1145
Tara Gale Hammonton, NJ $1145
Jessie calkins Canyon, TX $821
Barrel Racing
Beth Ann Borowy Glenn Mills, PA $1873
Robin Weaver Mahaffey, PA $1605
Ronda Casey Plymouth, IN $1338
Bull Riding
Grayson Cole Fredonia, PA $1568
Boots Son Philadelphia, PA $1283
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