The total entries for each event are as follows: bareback bronc, 14; saddle bronc, 15; bull riding, 24: team roping, 34; steer wrestling, 29; tie-down roping, 20; and barrel racing, 54.

These cowboys and cowgirls will be competing for more than $45,000 in prize money with $5,000 guaranteed for each event. This prize money comes from the fire department, rodeo sponsors, and from entry fees paid by each entrant. The entry fees range from $80 for the saddle and bareback events to $225 for the team roping. In addition to those entry fees, the cowboys and cowgirls pay their own expenses and leave empty-handed if they do not place in their event.

Included in the competitors is veteran steer wrestler Tom Farrelly of Cayuga, New York, who is still competing at age 58 and has been coming to Gerry for more than 30 years. Clovis Crane of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, is proof that cowboys are tough athletes as he has entered two of rodeo’s dangerous events — steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding.

Both Justin Thigpen from Waycross, Georgia, and J.R. Myers of Felton, Pennsylvania will be competing for the All-Around Cowboy title which goes to the cowboy who wins the most money while competing in at least two events.

They are each entered in the tie-down roping and the team roping. The winner of each of the seven events will receive a Montana Silversmith set of silver spurs in addition to his or her prize money.

Adding to the festivities is one of rodeo’s most versatile performers, four-time World Champion trick roper and World Champion gun twirler, Rider Kisner, who also does tricks with whips as well as providing comedy throughout the performance. He then serves as the barrel man during the bull riding.

Veteran announcer Greg Simas makes a return trip to Gerry to keep the fans entertained and informed about the action. His performance in Gerry is unique as he does his job on horseback in the middle of the action in the arena. Simas has taken his announcing skills all over the nation as well as to Australia, and he is on the road for about 40 weeks each year.

Painted Pony Championship Rodeo of Lake Luzerne, New York, will be bringing more than 150 head of stock to the Gerry arena for the ninth year. Owners Shawn and Shana Graham produce about 70 rodeos each year across the Northeast, including their own site in Lake Luzerne, where they have three rodeo performances a week during the summer.

The event also features the traditional beef barbecue dinners served each day at 5 p.m., with beef cooked outdoors for eight hours over wood fires and served with deep-fried potatoes, corn, salad, cottage cheese, ice cream, and a drink. A lighted midway with more than 20 vendors, offering everything from Western wear to cotton candy, opens at 5:00 each day.

This rodeo is now the longest consecutively running rodeo east of the Mississippi with all proceeds going to the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department, which answers more than 300 fire and rescue calls each year. Additional information is available at the rodeo website, www.gerryrodeo.org, or by phone at 985-4847 or 1-888-985-4847. Fans are reminded that the rodeo, like football, goes on rain or shine.