Gerry - A free kids’ rodeo at 4:00 will kick off the final day of action Saturday, August 8, at the Gerry Fire Department’s 71st annual PRCA rodeo as kids three through eight can participate in rodeo related games in the arena supervised by pro cowboys and cowgirls.
Registration for the event begins at 3:00 near the arena entrance where parents will sign a release and each entrant will receive a numbered contestant back tag. The kids will be divided into two age groups - six to eight and three to five.
Following the National Anthem and a Grand Entry Parade of the kids, Shana Graham, Sales and Marketing Manager for Painted Pony Pro Rodeo, will direct the activities. Among the games will be hula hoop roping, stick horse riding, and a boot and shoe race, with each kid receiving a certificate and a bandana following the event.
Kids are requested to dress in their best Western wear as a Championship Belt Buckle will be awarded to the Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl. Parents will be permitted into the arena and are urged to bring their cameras. Special guests Miss Rodeo New York and Miss Teen Rodeo New York will be present for autographs and photos with the kids.
The concession stands and the midway featuring 20 vendors and kids’ activities will be open following the kids’ event. The day’s activities will conclude with the barbecue beef dinners at 5:00 and the final rodeo performance at 8:00with more than 200 pro cowboys and cowgirls competing for $45,000 in prize money at 8:00.
The rodeo this year runs for four performances beginning on Wednesday, August 5, concluding with Saturday’s activities. Additional information is available at the rodeo website www.gerryrodeo.org or by phone at (716) 985-4847 or 1-888-985-4847. A free kid’s ticket for any performance can be downloaded from the website.
Photo: Kids can become cowboys and cowgirls for a day at the free kids' rodeo event this Saturday in Gerry. Photo by Paul Cooley.