Steer wrestling will be one of the eight exciting events in all four nights of the 80th Gerry Rodeo. Submitted photo

GERRY — The Professional Cowboys Association, headquartered in Colorado Springs, has released the roster of the more than 200 professional cowboys and cowgirls from 30 states as far away as Oklahoma and Texas that have signed up to compete for more than $50,000 in prize money in the Gerry Fire Department’s 80th annual PRCA rodeo, which kicks off the four-night event at 8 p.m. Wednesday and continues nightly through Saturday.

The competition includes eight events each night — bareback and saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, cowgirls’ breakaway roping and barrel racing, and the dangerous bull riding. Prize money comes from the fire department and entry fees paid by each competitor. The entry fees range from $70 to $150 depending on the event.

Announcer Greg Simas is returning for his 15th trip to describe the action from his seat on horseback in the arena, while veteran funnyman Robb Gann promises to keep the fans entertained with his comedy. A special act just for this 80th rodeo will feature Courtney Schum, an upcoming star in trick riding, performing dangerous stunts from the backs of horses which she has trained herself. Adding to the fans’ enjoyment is a large stadium-style video screen which shows close-ups and replays of the action. The rodeo is also available on the Cowboy Channel Plus app.

A favorite of rodeo fans for decades is the famous barbecue beef dinner cooked for eight hours over wood fires and served with all the trimmings from 5-8 p.m. in the air-conditioned dining room. It includes salad, a roll, kettle roasted potatoes, corn, cottage cheese, a drink, and ice cream. A midway with more than 20 vendors, offering everything from Western wear to cotton candy, opens at 5 each evening. Following each performance, the pro cowboys and cowgirls are available near the ticket booths for photos and autographs.

The event is family friendly with activities for kids on the midway with sand art, face painting and other fun games. A free kids’ rodeo for those ages 3-8 will be held on Saturday at 4 p.m. where the kids will play rodeo-related games supervised by rodeo personnel. The best-dressed little cowboy and cowgirl will receive a belt buckle. Registration is at 3 p.m.

Tickets this year are “date specific” and are valid only on the night you choose. You can save time by getting your tickets online ahead of the event (www.gerryrodeo.org — code presale) or at the ticket booth if tickets are still available. Additional information is available by phone at 716-985-4847 or 1-888-985-4847 or on the website. Parking is free but donations are appreciated.

Fans are reminded that the show goes on rain or shine, and that the event is alcohol free. All proceeds go to the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department which answers more than 300 emergency calls each year.