The Dewey Roundup was one of the earliest, big rodeo events. It would rival Calgary, Pendelton and Cheyenne. It featured not only the Oklahoma rodeo stars who became nationally famous, but drew performers from all over the country. Train loads of people would attend the event promoted by Joe Bartles who paid the winner's purses in gold! Henry Grammer, Shoat Webster and Jim Shoulders were some of the Oklahoma performers who gained national acclaim.