GERRY — The first semi-trailer load of broncs and bulls has arrived at the Gerry Rodeo grounds as the final preparations are underway for Wednesday’s opening performance of the 80th annual PRCA rodeo at their site 5 miles north of Jamestown, New York, on Route 60. The event continues for three more nights — Thursday, Friday and Saturday

In the next 48 hours, Painted Pony Championship Rodeo will have hauled more than 100 head of stock from their ranch in Lake Luzerne to challenge the skills of more than 200 professional cowboys and cowgirls who will be competing for $50,000 in prize money. At the same time, a crew will be setting up the chutes to hold the animals for the four nights of competition. The arena dirt will be tilled and groomed to provide safety for the animals and competitors. By 5 a.m. on Wednesday at the other end of the rodeo property, more than 1,000 pounds of beef will be cooking over wood fires in preparation for the first of 3,000 meals that will be served over the four evenings.

The competition kicks off at 8 each evening with all eight traditional rodeo events — bareback and saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding, and the cowgirls’ break away roping and barrel racing.

One of the most outstanding announcers in rodeo, Greg Simas, will be returning to describe the action in the arena from his seat on horseback. Funnyman Brinson Rob Gann, who has been entertaining crowds across the nation, is making his second trip to Gerry while Courtney Schum will thrill the crowds with her ever-dangerous trick riding. Fans will also be able to see replays and closeups of the action on a large stadium style video screen.

The barbecue beef dinners that are a “once-a-year must” for many fans are served all four evenings from 5-8 in the air-conditioned dining hall. In addition to the beef which is cooked for eight hours and served with the secret recipe sauce, the dinners feature kettle browned potatoes, corn, tossed salad, cottage cheese, a roll, ice cream and a beverage.

A highlight for many is the midway featuring more than 20 vendors offering everything from Western wear to cotton candy to fried dough. It opens at 5 p.m. and remains open throughout the evening. It also offers fun for the kids with face painting, sand art and more.

Thursday evening features a special price for military members and first responders who are admitted to the rodeo for $10 with proper ID. Tickets must be purchased at the rodeo office. Saturday night is “Stompin’ Out Breast Cancer” night. Fans are asked to wear pink, and contributions will be accepted for Roswell Park for breast cancer research. On Saturday afternoon at 4, kids ages 3-8 have the opportunity to be cowboys and cowgirls for a time as they can participate in a free kids’ rodeo in the arena where they will play rodeo-related games supervised by rodeo personnel. Each kid will receive a prize, and a belt buckle will be awarded to the best dressed cowboy and cowgirl. Fans should be aware of the new policy regarding tickets. Because of over-crowding for some performances, tickets will now be “date specific,” meaning that tickets will only be valid on the night you choose. Tickets for Wednesday and Thursday will be $3 cheaper. Tickets should be ordered online at www.gerryrodeo.org prior to the event. Tickets will still be available at the ticket booths if that night’s performance is not sold out. Additional information is available on the website or by phone at 716-985-4847.

Parking is free with donations accepted to benefit the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department as do all proceeds from the rodeo to support their efforts to respond to about 350 fire and emergency calls per year. Fans are reminded that the event is alcohol free. Additional information is available at the rodeo website www.gerryrodeo.org or by phone at 716-985-4847 or 1-888-985-4847.