Submitted Photo Steer wrestling is one of eight events being contested each night at the Gerry Fire Department’s 78th annual PRCA rodeo from Aug. 2-5.

GERRY — Professional rodeo is headed to Western New York for the 78th consecutive year for four nightly performances, Aug. 2-5, at 8, with nearly 250 pro cowboys and cowgirls from more than 30 states competing for approximately $50,000 in prize money.

This event, sponsored by the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department, features exciting competition in eight rodeo events — bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, and bull riding, along with two events for the cowgirls — barrel racing and breakaway roping. Adding to the action are rodeo clown, Rob Gann; announcer Greg Simas; and bull fighter Phil Hussmann. Each performance will be shown on a stadium style 20-foot-wide video board which gives the fans closeups of the action as well as instant replays.

The stock for the competition will be provided again this year by Painted Pony Pro Rodeo, which will be trucking more than 100 head of stock to Gerry from their ranch in Lake Lucerne. It produces about 50 rodeo performances each year in sites all over the East.

For many, the highlight of the event is the Western style barbecue dinner, featuring beef cooked outside over wood fires for eight hours and served with secret recipe barbecue sauce, kettle browned potatoes, corn, cottage cheese, tossed salad, ice cream and a drink. Dinners are served in the air- conditioned dining room each evening, Wednesday through Saturday, from 5-8.

For those who like to come early, there is a midway with about 20 vendors offering everything from Western wear and souvenirs to cotton candy and friend dough. Two food concession stands are also open with sandwiches and drinks. There are activities for the kids including sand art, face painting, and pony rides.

All profits benefit the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department in their efforts to protect the lives and property of the surrounding area as they answer more than 300 fire and emergency calls each year. The rodeo arena is located on Route 60, five miles north of Jamestown, New York.

Additional information is available at the rodeo website www.gerryrodeo.org or by phone at (716) 985-4847 or 1-888-985-4847. Tickets are available ahead of the event at the above website and phone numbers and at the Country Fair stores in Fredonia and Gerry and at the Qwik Fill store at Exit 12 in Jamestown.