By Darlene Brace
Grab your cowboy boots and hats and head out to the Gerry Rodeo, a time-honored tradition that takes place in Gerry, New York around the first weekend of August each year. This year, the Gerry Rodeo will take place July 30th-August 2nd. The rodeo grounds will open each evening at 5pm, with the rodeo competition show at 8pm nightly.
The Gerry rodeo first started in 1945 when a local resident, Jack Cox, suggested that the rodeo would be a good idea to raise money for the newly formed fire department. They had the first rodeo in Gerry and this rodeo has been taking place each year ever since. It currently is the oldest consecutive rodeo east of the Mississippi River, and through the years, it has won many awards.
Gerry resident Paul Cooley is a lifetime member of the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department is a so-called expert of the Gerry Rodeo, since as of this year he has been involved with the rodeo for 63 years. He is now 90 years old and is still actively involved as the rodeo’s media coordinator, helps take care of the website, and he usually runs one of the rodeo’s concession stands for the fire department.
Paul shared that each year the Gerry Rodeo entertains thousands of fans and has about 250 cowboys and cowgirls that pay an entry fee to compete for more than $50,000 in prize money. To compete in the rodeo, rodeo competitors must be quality competitors and are required to be members of the rodeo sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). They compete in the competitive events the same as it was 79 years ago: bareback bronc riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, and team roping. Cowgirls compete in barrel racing and breakaway roping. In addition, the rodeo show includes clowns, trick riding, and animal acts for your enjoyment.
crowds for 80 years. Whether you want to cheer on the riders at the rodeo
show, savor a mouthwatering BBQ dinner, or take a leisurely stroll through
the midway fi lled with vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the
Gerry Rodeo.
The events of the rodeo have remained constant, but the Gerry Rodeo grounds have been evolving. In recent years, the grounds have been gradually renovated, including permanent bleachers that house arena sitting holding around 4000 people. There’s been new lighting and new fencing installed to ensure the safety of the attendees. A large stadium TV for replays and close-ups of the action has been purchased and installed. The old dining hall has been enlarged and renovated with the addition of air conditioning.
Besides the rodeo show competitions, one of the highlights of the rodeo are the delicious BBQ dinners that are served nightly starting at 5pm. Thousands of pounds of beef are cooked in pits over fires that serve hundreds of the dinners each year. The BBQ dinners include things like potatoes, corn, salad, ice cream, and a beverage. In addition to the BBQ dinners, the fire department will be selling hotdogs.
The Rodeo competition show takes place at 8pm on Wednesday- Saturday evenings, but the grounds open at 5pm. While strolling through the grounds, you will find a midway that features more than twenty booths offering a variety of goods ranging from crafts, cowboy western wear, jewelry, and more. The midway also has food vendors selling specialty treats like fried dough and sugar waffles to name a few.
There is plenty for children to enjoy at the midway, which includes simple games, sand art, pony rides, and face painting. Families can come early and stroll around the grounds, enjoying all that the midway has to offer, even if they don’t want to attend the rodeo show. On Saturday, there will be a free Kids Rodeo at 4pm, with registration starting at 3pm. Kids aged 3 to 8 years old can compete in rodeo-related games.
All proceeds from the Gerry Rodeo benefit the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department, which responds to over three hundred calls each year. The funds raised through the rodeo help support this fire department, enabling them to continue providing vital services to the community.
Paul Cooley has a wealth of information about the Gerry Rodeo and has played a big role in making the Gerry Rodeo a resounding success. The Gerry Rodeo would also like to extend its gratitude to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for their continued support.
The Gerry Rodeo is a historic and beloved event that has been entertaining crowds for 80 years. Whether you want to cheer on the riders at the rodeo show, savor a mouthwatering BBQ dinner, or take a leisurely stroll through the midway filled with vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Gerry Rodeo.
For more information about the rodeo or to buy tickets for the rodeo show, go to gerryrodeo.com. You can also visit their Facebook page for information and updates.