About Us
After a 30 year "Rodeo Queen" hiatus, we were blessed with being able to crown another queen in 2021. The Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo is proud to announce that we will be back with the contest again in 2025! The Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo will be seeking candidates each year to compete for the title of "Miss Gladewater Rodeo." After holding the title of Miss Gladewater Rodeo, the queen will be an ambassador for the Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo, the sport of rodeo, and our western heritage.
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The Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo has an abundance of history and tradition. The rodeo was founded in 1937 by local businessman, J.N. "Jack" Yates, a Sioux Indian from North Dakota who moved to Gladewater during the oil boom. Yates, a veteran of World War I, organized the first ever rodeo to be held in France as entertainment for the soldiers. According to historical documents, he sought to recreate the event in Gladewater.
Yates owned an 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 Gladewater 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 top ten 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, and Trevor Brazile, who holds thirteen all-around cowboy titles and is a twenty-six time world champion between the events of tie-down roping, team roping and steer roping. Other notable cowboys and cowgirls that have competed in the rodeo are Jim Shoulders, Ty Murray, Lane Frost, Sage Kimzey, Deb Mohon (Gladewater native), and many others. Rafter G Rodeo, which is owned by the Gay family, is the stock contractor for the Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo.
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Rodeo performances start at 8:15, nightly, June 4-7, 2025. Mutton bustin' will start at 7:45.
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Source: www.gladewaterrodeo.com