Submitted Photo The bullfighters risk their own safety every night to protect the cowboys when they are thrown to the arena dirt.

GERRY — “All systems are ‘go’ and we are ready for one of the best ever” were the words of rodeo Chairman Tom Atwell as he watched this tiny rural town transform almost overnight into a bustling “city” in preparation for the kickoff tonight of the Gerry Volunteer Fire department’s 80th annual PRCA rodeo, which is the longest consecutively running PRCA rodeo east of the Mississippi.

Dozens of pickup trucks, horse trailers, RV’s, and tents fill the 50 acres rodeo location as approximately 220 professional cowboys and cowgirls from more than 30 states are arriving. The stock contractor, Painted Pony Championship Rodeo, has transported more than 100 head of outstanding stock via tractor trailer from their ranch in Lake Lucerne, as well as setting up the fences and chute gates.

The smoke is rolling from the pits, filling the air with the aroma of more than 1,200 pounds of beef that is being prepared over wood fires for the dinners beginning at 5 tonight. The last of the more than 20 vendors are setting up their tents and trailers where they will offer many kinds of food items, souvenirs, and Western wear. About 150 volunteers are scrambling to put the finishing touches on what Atwell says is the best prepared they have ever been for opening night.

Familiar names are back to provide the fans with a top-notch rodeo experience. Announcer Greg Simas, who has performed around the world, will again be describing the action from his seat on horseback in the arena. Robb Gann, one of pro rodeo’s most outstanding clowns, will entertain the crowd with his special brand of humor. He says he loves “to blow things up.”

To help celebrate this 80th anniversary of the rodeo, the fire department has added an additional act as Courtney Schum is making her first trip to Gerry to thrill the fans with her exciting and dangerous trick riding.

The competition, with $50,000 in prize money, begins at 8 tonight and continues nightly through Saturday and features the eight traditional rodeo events — saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and the ever-dangerous bull riding as well as cowgirls’ barrel racing and breakaway roping. The dinners are served each evening from 5-8, and the midway also opens at 5.

Special events for the week include a $10 admission on Thursday for military and first responders who have proper ID, a breast cancer awareness night on Saturday where everyone is asked to wear pink with donations going to Roswell Park Cancer Center, and a free kids’ rodeo at 4 on Saturday.

All tickets are “date specific”. Presale tickets for both the rodeo and the dinners are available at the rodeo website www.gerryrodeo.org or by phone at (716) 985-4847 or 1-888-985-4847 throughout the week. Tickets are also available at the rodeo office or ticket booths. Additional information is available at the website or the above phone numbers

All proceeds go to the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department in their efforts to protect the safety, health, and property of area residents as they answer more than 300 calls each year. Fans are reminded that the event is alcohol free. Parking is free but donations are appreciated.