The 81st annual Gerry Rodeo saw nearly 10,000 fans file through the gates despite rain in the forecast throughout the duration of the four-day event. Rodeo spokesperson Paul Cooley adds that the kitchen crew served approximately 2,500 meals prior to the performances held August 5-8.
Cooley says one of the highlights of the week was the appearance of three-time World Champion roper Riley Webb, 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 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 August 6th, as Nic Jackson from Upper Marlboro, Maryland rode Kodak Black for 82 points. The other successful rider was Melvin Byler of Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania with a 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 8.0 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 Gerry Fire Department. Those winners were:
- All-Around: Riley Webb (Denton, Texas)
- Bareback: Lane Evans (Lake Lucerne, New York)
- Saddle Bronc: Jaylin Jaoquin (Lake Lucerne, New York)
- Steer Wrestling: Jason MacGonagill (Lake Lucerne, New York
- Team Roping, Header: Darren Morgan (Eighty Four, Pennsylvania)
- Team Roping, Heeler: Shane Jenkins (Amoret, Missouri)
- Breakaway Roping: Gabby Graham (Lake Lucerne, New York)
- Tie-Down Roping: Riley Webb (Denton, Texas)
- Barrel Racing: Stephanie Dyer (Franklinville, New Jersey)
- Bull Riding: Nic Jackson (Upper Marlboro, Maryland)
There was also an emphasis on fun for the kids as they enjoyed face painting, sand art, a kids' rodeo on August 8th, 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 October 19th 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 Gerry 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.
The 82nd annual Gerry Rodeo has been scheduled for August 4-7, 2027.
This cowboy quickly discovered how tough the Painted Pony bulls were at the 81st annual Gerry Rodeo. He survived to ride again. Photo by Lucas Atwell
