FLICKERWOOD ARENA TO BE OPENED BY NOVEMBER

JACKSON -- When J. Mark and Donna Boardman decided to build a barn for their sons to practice cattle roping, they had no idea they would end up with a 55,000-square-foot arena.

In a few short months the Boardmans' barn will be finished. The small barn is evolving into an enclosed one-and-a-quarter-acre arena. Kmart in Cape Girardeau is just a little bigger; at 64,000 square feet it is roughly one-and-a-half acres.

"Originally this was just a place for kids to practice," said Donna Boardman. "But eventually we realized that there was a tremendous amount of interest in building an arena of this type. We were overwhelmed that so many people wanted this arena, and everyone seems really excited that we decided to do it."

The couple plan to use their Flickerwood Arena for a variety of horse events, including shows, rodeos, team ropings, sales, clinics and training sessions. It also can be used for cattle events and agricultural shows. They plan to offer at least one night a week for the public to ride and practice.

Their sons, Kadin, 16, and Cimarron, 13, helped modify plans for the arena along the way.

"We took all of our input and put it together to make this arena," Kadin Boardman said. "I bet we made a zillion drawings of what the inside of the arena would look like."

The outside of the barn will be completed by the end of the month; then they will start on the inside. The Boardmans hope to include 1,500 bleacher seats, a small restaurant, 70 horse stalls and office space.

They have hired Kevin Davied to manage the arena and plan to hire others for special events.

The arena is situated on the Boardmans' Flickerwood Farm just north of Jackson. It is visible from Interstate 55.

"It's going to be impossible to miss a building like this," said Mark Boardman.

The Boardmans hope to have events scheduled there in November. One of the first events they hope to hold is a women's barrel horse race. They also plan a roping series six weekends during the winter months. In addition, a horse show in early spring is under consideration.

"We want to be able to provide to people what is needed in this area," said Mark Boardman. "There is not an arena like this from Columbia to Memphis."

Mark Boardman has been in and out of the horse business for almost 30 years. When he was in high school, he delivered newspapers on horseback. Eventually he bought Flickerwood Farms Inc., a purebred and commercial cattle and hay operation.

Today, Flickerwood Farms is primarily a wood and feed byproduct business. In 1988 the business was moved to its present location, 3027 Larch Lane just outside of Jackson. The arena is next door.

Although their business has kept the family busy, the Boardmans still find time for their horses. They have 10 horses of their own.

Their sons have carried on the horse-loving tradition. Both boys compete in roping competitions through the High School Rodeo Association and 4-H. They are excited about the arena being so close to home.

"Hopefully it will bring in a lot of cowboys," Kadin Boardman said. "Then I can learn from them and become a better roper. This is going to pretty much be my life."

Of course, the boys also think in terms of what is best for their family. They think the arena is a good investment and both sons plan to work there when they can.

"They are thrilled about this whole thing," Donna Boardman said. "They will be spending every free minute they have here. That is, after all of their other work is done."