Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo kicks off tonight

SIKESTON, MO (KRCU) - The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo kicks off Wednesday night with a full night of rodeo action and entertainment by country music performers Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson with Cowboy Troy.

The Rodeo is now in its 59th year and is organized as a volunteer effort by the Jaycees. All proceeds are donated to community organizations.

Cal Crader is the Jaycees Rodeo Chairman. He says the cooler temperatures and pleasant weather conditions will help attract visitors to Sikeston.

"Within 120 miles of us this summer there’s not a whole lot going on other than our event," Crader says. "We’ve got the best names in country names. And by being a member of the Wrangler Rodeo Tour, we continue to draw the best cowboys in the world."

The rodeo is the largest annual even in Sikeston.

Sikeston Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Missy Marshall says the rodeo provides a valuable economic boost to the region, even if it turns life a little upside down.

"The horse trailers started pulling in over the weekend. The livestock is coming in, the equipment is coming in, the cowboys are coming in, the tourists are coming in," Marshall says. "And that is a great thing to have happen every August. And it’s something that the community can count on and benefit from. We’re very happy and proud of our Jaycees for doing it."

The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo will begins Wednesday night and run through this Saturday. There will be live entertainment each evening.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

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