By Jessica Schultz
We all hate to admit it, but summer is winding down. No one wants to see the season of fun go, but there are still plenty of great events to bring the season to a close with style. One of those events is the annual Gerry Rodeo & BBQ (located at 4351 Route 60, Gerry NY) celebrating its 77th consecutive year August 3-6. 2022.
The Gerry Rodeo is the oldest running consecutive rodeo east of the Mississippi. Each year the rodeo proceeds go to the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department for yearly upkeep and projects. The Villager spoke to Paul Cooley, a longtime member of the fire department and he offered some insight into the history of the event and what’s new for this year.
The Villager (V): The rodeo has been around a long time; how did it get started?
Paul (P): “Many thought that the idea of a rodeo wouldn’t succeed for even one year, but they were certainly wrong. This year when the event rolls into town, the tiny hamlet of Gerry just north of Jamestown, New York, will celebrate the opening night of its 77th annual rodeo, the longest running PRCA rodeo east of the Mississippi. For four days this quiet little village becomes “The Rodeo Capital of the East” as approximately 225 professional cowboys and cowgirls roll into town and pay their entry fees to compete for more than $50,000 in prize money in four performances. The event, sponsored by the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department, got its start in 1945 when a former working cowboy named Jack Cox moved from the West to Gerry and suggested a rodeo as a way of raising money for the newly formed fire department. In spite of the doubters, his dream became a reality as members of the department and other volunteers in 70 days turned four acres of swampland into an arena and parking lot in time for the arrival of the renowned Colonel Jim Eskew and the livestock that first year. Bleachers were borrowed from area schools and portable lights were rented. And thus, the rodeo began!”
V: What’s happening for this year’s event?
P: “This year features the traditional eight rodeo events each night (Wednesday through Saturday, August 3-6, at 8pm) Bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, bull riding, and cowgirls’ break away roping, and barrel racing.
V: Tell us about the BBQ dinner.
P: “There is a barbeque beef dinner served daily (starting at 5pm) with beef cooked outdoors over wood fires and served in an air-conditioned dining room. It includes secret recipe barbeque sauce, kettle browned potatoes, corn, tossed salad, roll, ice cream, and a drink.”
V: What is the cost of admission, is parking included, is it handicap accessible?
P: “The cost for the rodeo is $18 for adults, $12 child (3-12.) Dinner prices are $18 adults, $12 child. Combo tickets (both rodeo and dinner) Adult $30, child $18. The event has limited handicap parking and seating. Parking is by donation, not a regulated fee.”
V: Any special evenings or events?
P: “August 4th is Military & First Responder Appreciation Night. Guests can show their current ID and the cost for entry will just be $10. Saturday, August 6th is the Stompin’ Out Breast Cancer Day. Wear pink to support the fight against breast cancer and donations will be accepted for Roswell Park Breast Cancer Research Fund. Also on Saturday is the special Kid’s Rodeo at 4pm, featuring skills of those aged 3-8.”
V: What makes this such a kid friendly event?
P: “There is a midway with over 20 vendors with everything from cotton candy to Western wear. It also has events tailored just for kids like pony rides and face painting.”
V: Anything else the community should know?
P: “Presale tickets can be purchased online at gerryrodeo.org. We are happy to answer any questions our guests may have. And we hope to see a great turnout for our 77th year!!”
Thank you, Paul, for taking the time to speak with us and for sharing all this great information on the rodeo. If anyone has any questions or would like more information on the events, you can visit gerryrodeo.org or call 716-985-4847 or 1-888-985-4847.