GLADEWATER, Texas — The Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo has been the city’s biggest event for nearly 90 years. Keeping a tradition that means so much to an entire community alive isn’t easy — but two Gladewater residents are taking that challenge head-on.

Inside The Gladewater Museum’s rodeo annex, Director Elaine Roddy patrols the floor, making sure every relic is in pristine condition and every poster is hung with care.

"We appreciate all of the people who have given us memorabilia. We wouldn't have anything without it, and we wouldn't have anything without the people," Roddy said.

The round-up rodeo was founded in 1937 by Jack Yates, a World War I veteran who had moved to Gladewater during its oil boom. Yates had organized a rodeo in France to lift the spirits of his fellow soldier. Now, n

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