75th Annual Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo
GLADEWATER – East Texans kicked off the 75th Annual Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo by partying in the dirt this past weekend. Party in the Dirt was only the first of several pre-rodeo activities that will lead up to the Round-Up Rodeo, which officially begins June 6 and runs through June 9.
June 6 ushers in the first night of the 75th Annual Round-Up Rodeo.
The Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo was founded in 1937 by local businessman J. N. “Jack” Yates, a Sioux Indian from North Dakota who had moved to Gladewater during the oil boom. Yates, a veteran of World War I, organized the first rodeo ever to be held in France as entertainment for the soldiers, and according to historical documents, he sought to recreate the event in Gladewater.
Yates owned and operated J. N. “Jack” Yates Pipe and Supply Company, and recruited citizens to donate either funds or supplies to construct a rodeo arena. The structure was originally built from lumber, but the rodeo was such a success that it was reconstructed out of steel two years later.
The Round-Up Rodeo’s recognition received a substantial boost in 1971 when Johnny Quintana scored 98 points in its bull-riding competition — a feat that held world-record status for three years.
Since its humble beginnings, the rodeo has become nationally known and ranks among the top rodeos in the state as well as the top 10 percent in the nation. The arena has hosted some of the nation’s most notable competitors, including Don Gay, an eight-time PRCA World Champion Bull Rider; Roy Cooper, the leading money winner of all time for the PRCA; Ty Murray; Lane Frost; Jim Shoulders; and many others.
The rodeo starts at 8:15 p.m. nightly June 6-9. The second night of the rodeo, June 7, will be a “tough enough to wear pink” night in which attendees and participants are encouraged to wear pink and a donation will be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast cancer awareness.
Tickets went on sale Monday. Class A tickets are $14 and Class B tickets are $12. To order tickets, call (903) 845-5126 or visit the rodeo grounds between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Gladewater Rodeo grounds Are located on Hwy 80, approximately 1/2 mile west of Gladewater.
For more information visit gladewaterrodeo.com.