Gladewater Round-up Rodeo Cancelled for the 1st Time in History

For the first time in history, the world famous Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo has been cancelled.  Citing safety amid the Coronavirus pandemic as the reason, The Gladewater Mirror announced the cancellation via their official Facebook page.

For 81 straight years, this rodeo of rodeos has brought the bronc-bustin', steer-ropin', bulls, blood, dust, and mud experience to the innumerable masses that flock to this tiny Texas town.

Many of the rodeo greats (like 8 time PRCA World Champion Bull Rider Don Gay, PRCA All-time leading money winner Roy Cooper, Ty Murray, Lane Frost, and way more) have made it a point to ride in the Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo.  In 1971, John Quintana broke the world record high score for bull riding on top of a bull named "V61" with a score of 94 at Gladewater!  The next year he would become the PRCA national champion.

The rodeo itself was founded by J. N. “Jack” Yates in 1937.  Yates was a native Sioux from North Dakota who moved to Gladewater after serving in World War I.  While serving overseas, Yates is credited with organizing the first rodeo ever to be held in France to entertain soldiers stationed there.  When he returned home to Gladewater, he set out to recreate that rodeo.

In my humble opinion, he far exceeded his goal.  The Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo will be greatly missed this year.