GERRY — Rodeo kid … teenage bull rider … college student … schoolteacher … bull fighter …rodeo clown.

That’s the unusual resume of rodeo clown and barrel man Rob Gann, who is headed to the 80th annual Gerry Fire Department’s PRCA rodeo for four performances, Wednesday through Saturday, July 30 to Aug. 2.

Gann, who is in demand as an entertainer throughout the country, works about 150 rodeo performances throughout the year. He has been a bull fighter 13 times at the International Finals Rodeo and has worked as the clown at the Southern American Region Finals Rodeo. The American Pro Rodeo Association recently named him as their “Clown of the Year”.

A native of Lonoke, Arkansas, he was born to parents who owned a rodeo, so rodeo has always been in his blood. Doing rodeo chores was not exciting enough so he began riding bulls as a teenager and was so successful that he earned a rodeo scholarship at Arkansas State Jonesboro, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree. He then became a public schoolteacher, teaching construction and agriculture.

However, rodeo continued to draw him back, so after three years, he decided to return to bull riding. Several years and a number of injuries later, including broken bones, he decided to try bullfighting, a job where he tries to protect the cowboys from the bulls during that dangerous event. This did not prove to be a less dangerous occupation as a bull hooked him with a horn, throwing him into the air, and he landed awkwardly, splitting his pelvis.

Not willing to give up rodeo, he made the decision to try rodeo comedy and for the past ten years, he has been honing his skills and is fast becoming one of the top entertainers in pro rodeo. His job is to not only provide humorous acts, but to fill in any slow spots in the performance with that same humor. As far as his acts go, he says “think Three Stooges”. He says he loves pyrotechnics and enjoys “blowing things up”.

Gann is looking forward to coming to Gerry because of the number of years the fire department has been providing top notch pro rodeo action. He is also excited to reunite with his long-time friend, announcer Greg Simas, one of the most experienced and respected announcers in rodeo. He adds that their previous experience of working together should add much to each rodeo performance.

This rodeo is now the longest consecutively running rodeo east of the Mississippi and will draw approximately 250 pro cowboys and cowgirls from more than 30 states to compete for $50,000 in the eight traditional rodeo events. The stock contractor, Painted Pony Pro Rodeo, will be providing over 100 head of stock for the competition.

The event also features the famous beef barbecue dinners cooked over open fires and served nightly in the air-conditioned dining hall beginning at 5 each evening. A midway with more than 20 vendors with everything from Western wear to cotton candy is open before and after each performance. The rodeo itself begins at 8 p.m. and will go on rain or shine. Presale tickets are available on-line at the rodeo website www.gerryrodeo.org or at the ticket gates each night. Additional information is available by phone at (716) 985-4847 or 1-888-985-4847.