Another successful Gerry Rodeo in the books
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GERRY - Despite the predictions for rain, the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department had another very successful action-packed rodeo as nearly 10,000 fans filed through the gates while the kitchen crew served approximately 2,500 meals over the four-day 81st annual event.
One of the highlights of the week was the appearance of three-time World Champion roper who traveled from his home in Denton, Texas, to rope and tie his calf in a fast 8.8 seconds. He also competed in team roping and was named All-Around Cowboy, an award which goes to the cowboy who wins the most money while competing in at least two events.
The Painted Pony bulls put on a show for the fans as they threw their cowboys to the dirt in quick succession and allowed only two successful rides through the four performances. Both of those rides were on Thursday night as Nic Jackson from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, rode Kodak Black for 82 points. The other successful rider was Melvin Byler, Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania, with 79-point score on Beach Troll. Another cowboy, Joao Goncalves from Massachusetts, came close as he stayed on his bull named Snuggles for 7.4 seconds of the required 8 seconds. The final score for the week was Bulls 62, Cowboys 2.
In addition to their prize money, the top money-winning cowboy and cowgirl in each of the eight competitive events received a hand-crafted Montana Silversmiths belt buckle from the Fire Department. Those winners were All-Around-Riley Webb, Denton, Texas; Bareback-Lane Evans, Lake Lucerne, New York; Saddle Bronc-Jaylin Jaoquin, Lake Lucerne; Steer Wrestling-Jason MacGonagill, Lake Lucerne; Team Roping- Header- Darren Morgan, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania; Team Roping-Heeler- Shane Jenkins, Amoret, Missouri; Breakaway Roping-Gabby Graham, Lake Lucerne; Tie-Down Roping- Riley Webb, Denton, Texas; Barrel Racing- Stephanie Dyer, Franklinville New Jersey; Bull Riding-Nic Jackson, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Again, there was emphasis on fun for the kids as they enjoyed face painting, sand art, a kids' rodeo on Saturday, a chance to get photos and autographs with rodeo personnel after each performance, and their favorite "goodies" such as cotton candy and fried dough.
The rodeo queens from both New York and Pennsylvania State Rodeo Associations were in attendance all week signing autographs and being photographed with fans. They made an important announcement that the Miss Rodeo New York Pageant will be held at the Gerry Rodeo Conference Center on Oct. 19 with the public invited to attend.
Rodeo chairman Tom Atwell stated that he was pleased with this year's event featuring more than 225 cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation and Canada who competed for more than $50,000. That prize money comes from the fire department as well as the contestants who must pay an entry fee for each event they enter. He sends his gratitude to the fans who support the event and to the more than 100 volunteers who give their time and effort. He reminds everyone that all profits go to support the Gerry Fire Department as they respond to nearly 250 emergency calls each year.
Atwell also announced that the 2027 rodeo will be held Aug. 4-7. Additional information, stories, history, and photos are available at the website www.gerryrodeo.org