GERRY – The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, headquartered in Colorado Springs, has announced that 224 pro cowboys and cowgirls from more than 30 states have registered to compete in the 75th annual Gerry Rodeo, beginning this Wednesday and continuing through Saturday at 8:00 each night.
Heading the list of contestants are 56 team ropers (28 two-man teams), followed by 52 female barrel racers. The saddle bronc competition has drawn 26 entries while the bareback riders total 18. The ever-dangerous bull riding will feature 23 cowboys. Steer wrestling has 25 competitors and the tie-down roping events has 24.
These contestants must pay entry fees that range from $60 to $225, depending on their event, which are added to the money from the rodeo committee and sponsors, bringing the total to approximately $50,000 for the four performances. The cowboys and cowgirls receive no guaranteed money and, in addition to the entry fees, pay their own travel expenses as well as membership fees to the PRCA.
In addition to the exciting rodeo competition, the event will feature the antics of Keith Isley, one of rodeos most decorated performers as he has been named “Clown of the Year” five times by the PRCA as well as receiving “Comedy Act of the Year” four times. His three trained horses will be a part of his act, and he will also serve as the barrel man in the arena during the bull riding event.
Veteran announcer Greg Simas returns for this seventh time to keep the action moving in the arena and to describe the events for the fans. Painted Pony Championship Rodeo of Lake Luzerne, New York, will be providing more than 100 head of their outstanding stock for the event.
The traditional beef barbeque dinners will be served each evening beginning at 5:00 in the air-conditioned dining hall, while the midway featuring 20 vendors and a number of activities for the kids will open at the same time.
For the first time ever, fireworks will light the skies immediately following the conclusion of the rodeo competition all four nights.
This is now the longest consecutively running rodeo east of the Mississippi and is the major fund-raising event for the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department. Additional information is available at the rodeo website www.gerryrodeo.orgor by phone at (716) 985-4847 or 1-888-985-4847.
Photo: The team roping competition is one of seven rodeo events being contested at the 75thGerry Rodeo, Wednesday through Saturday this week.