hard because of the cost, but we are working on some grants now and the city and JEDCO are also working with us.”
Underwood went on to say that the association is also working on renovating its concession operation in the near future.
When looking ahead, Underwood is deeply concerned about the viability of the Tops In Texas Rodeo after his tenure as rodeo president has ended.“ I am not going to live forever,” Underwood, who is in his mid 60s, said.“ I really hope there is a younger person that steps up and has that passion about rodeo in Jacksonville.
“[ I have ] so many good memories in a good town and I want to see this become someone else’ s heritage and to see them continue it on after I am gone. I don’ t want the rodeo to die.”
Underwood said that he is encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by individuals like Brandy Bannister of Bannister Plumbing Company and Makayla Hamman of Hamman Farm and Ranch Supply;
just a couple of examples of some of the fresh faces that are serving as Tops In Texas PRCA Rodeo board members.
Tops In Texas PRCA Rodeo’ s longevity and successful track record is also the result of several major businesses’ financial backing, Underwood said.
“ It costs a lot of money to put a rodeo on,” Underwood said.“ Our [ major ] sponsors like CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances and UT Health, Austin Bank and Jeff Austin – they help our town with so much – they make it possible for us to bring the people of Jacksonville and Cherokee County the best rodeo possible each year.”
Charles Dickerson 1940-2025
16 Jacksonville Progress | Spring 2026