(WNY News Now) – Gerry – GERRY — Despite forecasts of rain, the 79th Gerry Fire Department’s PRCA Rodeo experienced four nights of clear skies, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of around 10,000 fans. The rodeo, featuring eight exciting events, showcased the skills of over 200 cowboys and cowgirls from 32 states and Canada, who collectively earned more than $50,000 in prize money.
Fans enjoyed the action on a giant stadium screen, courtesy of the Shults Auto Group. Rodeo Chairman Tom Atwell highlighted the crucial support of nearly 100 businesses and individuals, including LandPro of Falconer, which provided essential equipment for arena maintenance. Head chef Kyle Van Akin, alongside his wife Britta, served nearly 3,000 beef barbecue dinners throughout the event. Atwell also praised the dedication of around 150 volunteers who contributed their time, some sacrificing their vacations, to ensure the rodeo’s success.
The Painted Pony Pro Rodeo from Lake Luzerne, New York, was praised for their top-quality stock and efficient event management. The event’s popularity was evident during Saturday night’s performance, which saw a standing-room-only crowd. The highlight of the rodeo included impressive performances in various events:
- Bareback Bronc Riding: Jason Wilson from Vermont tied for the highest score of the week with 83 points on Painted Pony’s bronc, Wild Willy, winning $900.
- Steer Wrestling: A.J. Williams from Pennsylvania recorded a time of 5.6 seconds, the second-fastest of the week, while Chad Stoltzfus from Maryland came in at 5.9 seconds.
- Team Roping: Lavern King and Todd Feaser, along with Tanner Smith and T.J. Smith, tied for first place with a time of 8.8 seconds, each team earning $1,000.
- Saddle Bronc Riding: Rudy Troyer from Milton, Tennessee, led with a score of 75.5 on Teepie Feathers, with Stephen Greafen coming in second at 72.
- Tie-Down Roping: J.R. Myers of Felton, Pennsylvania, achieved the fastest time of 9.8 seconds, with Zak Danison from Ohio finishing second at 10.2 seconds.
- Breakaway Roping: Sam Valone led with a time of 2.7 seconds, closely followed by Austee VonAhn at 2.9 seconds, and Keeley Senn at 3.1 seconds.
- Barrel Racing: Nicole Davidson from Canterbury, Connecticut, won with a time of 15.54 seconds, narrowly beating Ronda Casey, who finished at 15.55 seconds.
- Bull Riding: The bulls triumphed, with no cowboys making a qualified ride out of the 31 attempts during the week, disappointing the crowd but thrilling bull supporters.
Chairman Atwell described the event as “very successful,” noting its role in supporting the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department, which responds to over 300 emergency calls annually. As the event wrapped up, preparations for the 80th consecutive year of rodeo celebrations were already underway, scheduled for July 30 – August 2. For more information, visit the rodeo website at www.gerryrodeo.com.
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