GERRY – “We not only have the longest running professional rodeo east of the Mississippi, but we work hard to make it the best with yearly updates” were the words of rodeo chairman Tom Atwell as the Gerry Fire Department prepares for next week’s 78th annual rodeo nightly which runs for four performances, Wednesday through Saturday.
One of the biggest improvements for this year is the installation of new fencing around the entire arena. Atwell says that the old fencing is more than 20 years old and that the new fencing will improve the safety for the fans as well as the contestants and the animals.
Another addition to give the rodeo fans a better experience is the installation of a 20-foot stadium style video screen which will give close-up views of the action as well as replays. This also makes the rodeo action available live on the Cowboy Channel app. It was used last summer, but the screen is being raised an additional six feet to improve the visibility for all the fans.
The parking and camp area has been much improved with drainage. building and fences have been repainted, and a new building has been added to the midway for kids’ sand art. Many of the bleacher boards have been replaced for safely reasons, and the dirt in the arena has been tilled and groomed, thanks to the loan of equipment from Falconer LandPro.
All of the work, both prior to and during the rodeo is done by volunteers with all proceeds going to the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department which answers more than 300 fire and emergency calls per year.
The rodeo brings more than 200 professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation to compete for $50,000 in prize money in the eight traditional rodeo events. It also features their famous barbeque dinners, served daily beginning at 5:00 pm in the air-conditioned dining hall, as well as a midway featuring the wares of more than 20 vendors plus special activities for the kids.
Presale tickets are available through Sunday at the Country Fair stores in Fredonia and Gerry and the Exit 12 Quik Fill store in Jamestown as well as by phone at (716) 985-4847 or 1-888-985-4847. Additional information is available at the rodeo website - www.gerryrodeo.org
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