(WNY News Now) – GERRY – Despite the ominous weather, the skies cleared just in time for the Gerry Fire Department’s 79th annual PRCA rodeo, treating a full house of loyal fans to a thrilling night of professional rodeo action on Friday.

The saddle bronc riding event saw fierce competition, with four cowboys posting close scores. Rudy Troyer from Milton, Tennessee, took the top spot with 76.5 points, followed by Will Stiles of Jonestown, Pennsylvania, with 74.5 points, and Clovis Crane from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, just half a point behind.

In the bareback event, Jason Wilson of Bennington, Vermont, and Luke Herbert of College Grove, Tennessee, tied for first place with 78 points. Luke’s brother, Houston Herbert, and Tim Kent from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, both posted strong 77-point rides.

The humid air seemed to affect the steer roping teams, but Chase and Riley Quinn from Schuylerville, New York, managed to secure first place with a time of 11.9 seconds, despite a five-second penalty. Kyle Gardner from Stephentown, New York, and J.B. Burgess from Bennington, Vermont, came in second at 13.4 seconds.

Mud made the arena challenging for the steer wrestlers, but Big Jim Banff from Pedricktown, New Jersey, managed an impressive 5.3-second throw, one of the fastest times of the week.

The tie-down ropers also faced difficulties, with Robbie Erck of Ft. Edward, New York, posting the fastest time at 11.3 seconds, followed by Ty Rumford from Abbyville, Kansas, at 12.1 seconds.

In barrel racing, Renee Garner from Stephentown, New York, had the fastest time of 16.20 seconds, while Madison Iager from Woodbine, Maryland, followed closely at 16.31 seconds.

The breakaway roping event saw Minnesota cowgirls Korah Corrigan from Shafer and Kallie TePoel from Harris posting the fastest times of 3.1 and 3.4 seconds, respectively.

The bull riding event saw all ten riders tossed to the dirt, leaving the bulls undefeated for the week. Fans eagerly anticipate tonight’s performance, hoping for a rider to break the bulls’ winning streak.

The final performance of the rodeo begins tonight at 8 p.m., with over $50,000 in prize money at stake. Barbeque beef dinners will be served starting at 5 p.m., and the midway with over 20 vendors will be open all evening.

This afternoon, kids aged 3-8 can enjoy a free rodeo at 4 p.m., with games and a best-dressed contest. Registration begins at 3 p.m.

Rodeo chairman Tom Atwell thanked the fans and approximately 150 volunteers for their support, highlighting the event as the major fundraiser for the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department, which responds to about 350 fire and EMS calls annually.

For more information or tickets, visit gerryrodeo.com or call (726) 985-4847.