Trick rider Courtney Schum is headed to the Gerry Rodeo. Submitted Photo

GERRY – Rodeo fans will be thrilled by trick rider Cortney Schum who is making her first trip to Gerry to help celebrate the Gerry Fire Department’s 80th consecutive pro rodeo for four performances next week, Wednesday through Saturday, at 8 p.m.

Courtney is a young rising star in rodeo entertainment who was riding horses before she could walk, and she began her trick riding career at age 7. She developed her skills through several years of gymnastics and lots of practice on her two horses which she has trained herself. Her performance consists of six to 10 tricks, including several which can be very dangerous. She adds that her act is very fast paced and most of her tricks are performed with the horses at top speed. She is performing at 15 rodeos this summer.

Presently she is a student at Murray State University in Kentucky where she is a member of the school’s rodeo team, competing in breakaway roping and barrel racing. She is studying to be an optometrist.

The rodeo competition will bring approximately 250 professional cowboys and cowgirls from more than 30 states to compete for $50,000 in prize money in the eight traditional rodeo events. The famous beef dinners cooked over wood fires are a must for many of the fans and are served each evening beginning at 5 in the air-conditioned conference center. The lighted midway has about 20 vendors offering everything from cotton candy to cowboy wear.

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 on-line 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 by phone at 716-985-4847.

All proceeds go to the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department which answers approximately 300 emergency calls annually.