Sikeston Rodeo a Boost to Local Economy

This isn�t Sikeston�s first rodeo � figuratively and literally.

The Sikeston Jaycee�s Bootheel Rodeo recently announced its entertainment lineup for all four nights, August 8-11.

The list of performers includes Chris Janson, Brett Young, Justin Moore and Travis Tritt. Add in four nights of rodeo action, and you have more than enough entertainment to enjoy on a hot summer long weekend.

Entertainment and rodeo fun do more than provide entertainment for the locals. It�s also a big economic benefit to Sikeston. Data from Southeast Missouri State University Institute for Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IRIE) for 2011-2015 provided to B Magazine indicates that the rodeo creates jobs, generates significant economic activity for Sikeston and is a boost for local charitable organizations.

The rodeo output in fiscal year 2015 accounted for $1.4 million in economic output. That translates, according to the IRIE report, to 23 jobs per year, with total income of $503,000.

The estimated economic impact to the local economy is about $6 million, which, according to the study, translates to about 70 full-time jobs in the Sikeston region. This figure is based on the assumption of 40,000 attendees, with about half coming from outside the Sikeston area. That assumption multiplied by $50-$200 average expenditures brings the total benefit to $1.5 million to $6.1 million in total output. The study translated this to 17-71 jobs, with income total of $458,347 to $1,841,518.

In the last five years, the Sikeston Jaycees have donated about $650,000 in total from rodeo proceeds to local charities, further helping the economic results.

�As a proud member of the Sikeston Jaycees, we are happy with the accomplishments this group continues to make each year, but we don�t do it for a pat on the back,� Ross Merideth, 2018 rodeo general chairman, said in a news release. �We put in the countless hours because we enjoy this community � and we want to continuously improve our hometown.

�At the end of the day, without the fans who come out to support the event, we would not be able to have the impact on these local charities and nonprofit groups. When you purchase a ticket, food or promotional gear, you can feel confident knowing the money is going back into this community to people and organizations who are truly making a difference in the lives of so many. Plus, you get to enjoy nationally-recognized rodeo action and some of country�s next big artists � plus a few legendary entertainers. That is money well spent.�