The action in the arena isn't the only thing that draws big crowds to the Gerry Rodeo every year. Hundreds of barbecue beef dinners are served during the four evenings leading up to each rodeo performance, and that will be no different this year. According to Gerry Rodeo spokesperson Paul Cooley, head chef Kyle Van Akin and his crew are preparing to serve more than 3,000 dinners during the 81st edition of the rodeo, which is less than a week away.
More than 100 different items will into the dinner preparation, including 4,500 pounds of beef, 1,800 pounds of potatoes, 80 gallons of corn, 120 pounds of cottage cheese, as well as 64 gallons of tomato sauce and 250 pounds of sugar to be used in creating the "secret recipe" barbecue sauce. The list goes on to include the vegetables for the tossed salad, ice cream, dinner rolls, serving trays, napkins, coffee cups, and many more items that are necessary to make the dinners possible. Van Akin's list also includes the supplies for the concession stands -- hot dogs, hamburgers, rolls, French fries, condiments, fried dough, and soft drinks by Pepsi. Most of the items are ordered through Hans Biekert at Maplevale Farms, while other main suppliers are Pepsi, Upstate Milk, Wells/Blue Bunny Ice Cream, and Bimbo Bakeries. Maplevale also supplies two refrigerated trailers for storage of the food and drinks.
The dinners are served from 5:00-8:00 PM each day, Wednesday through Saturday. Van Akin says that while everyone is aware that food prices have gone up, the dinner price is remaining the same as last year, which makes the rodeo dinner a bargain as it includes the barbecue beef with sauce, kettle browned potatoes with gravy, corn, tossed salad, cottage cheese, roll, ice cream, and a beverage, with no tax or tip.
The 81st annual Gerry Rodeo will take place August 5-8 on the rodeo grounds off Route 60. Tickets and additional information are available at the Gerry Rodeo website or by calling (716) 985-4847.
Volunteers deep fry kettle-browned potatoes that are a favorite in the barbecue dinners that will be served at the 81st annual Gerry Rodeo. Photo by Paul Cooley
