As the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department opens the gates for its 76th professional rodeo on Wednesday of this week, they continue their efforts to make this event one for the entire family, as well as giving back to the fans.
Kids are getting special recognition in several ways, beginning on opening night when any children from ages 3-12 can be admitted to the rodeo for $5.00 by bringing two non-perishable food items, which Rural Ministries will distribute to food banks in both the north and south County.
Additions have been made to the Midway to provide more fun for the kids. These include pony rides, face painting, sand art, and a Pick-A-Duck game, where they can win prizes. On Saturday afternoon at 4:00 there will be a free kids’ rodeo where kids ages 3-8 can dress up like cowboys and cowgirls and play rodeo related games under the supervision of rodeo personnel with prizes awarded to the best dressed little cowboy and cowgirl. There will also be an autograph and photo session with the rodeo personnel on the midway following each night’s performance.
Thursday evening military members and first responders with current ID will be admitted for $10 and honored in the opening ceremonies. In addition, the U.S. Army recruiters will be swearing in a number of new recruits into military service as part of that ceremony.
Saturday is termed “Stompin’ Out Breast Cancer” night, and all fans and contestants are urged to wear pink to help bring attention to this disease which affects so many. Fans will have the opportunity to donate funds which will be sent to Roswell Park Cancer Center in Buffalo for their Breast Cancer Research fund.
Prior to the rodeo performance each night at 8:00, Wednesday through Saturday, where 240 cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation will be competing for $50,000 in prize money in eight events, fans can enjoy the traditional barbeque beef dinners served in the air-conditioned dining room beginning at 5:00 or explore the Midway which features more than 20 vendors with many kinds of food as well as Western wear and souvenirs.
All proceeds benefit the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department as they serve this area by responding to approximately 300 fire, EMS, and mutual aid calls annually. Additional information is available on the rodeo website www.gerryrodeo.org or by phone at (716) 985-4847 or 1-800-985-4847