Muck can't stop the bucking at Sikeston rodeo

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Even an arena turned into a watery muck from heavy Wednesday morning rain couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of nearly 10,000 rodeo fans on the opening night of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo.

The rodeo, in its 61st year, presented professional rodeo events and country-music star Brantley Gilbert for the spectators. The annual event drew its share of local enthusiasts to the Jaycee rodeo grounds in Sikeston, and it attracted many rodeo fans from outside the region. Roy and Joyce Jackson came from Boonville, Ind., to watch the rodeo cowboys in action.

"This is our 15th straight year to attend," said Joyce Jackson. "We love coming to the area to see the rodeo."

When asked whether any particular rodeos stuck out in his mind, Roy Jackson just smiled.

"They've all been good to watch," he said.

The Grand Entry circles the arena at the start of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Wednesday, August 7, in Sikeston, Mo. (Adam Vogler)

Leon and Amy Thurman, with their 10-year-old-son Trevin, came from Mount Vernon, Ill., to see the rodeo.

"This is our first time," Amy Thurman said. "We look forward to seeing Brantley Gilbert. We're not sure what to expect, but we know it will be fun."

The crowd that watched the opening-night rodeo festivities cheered the professional cowboys as they rode into the muddy arena. Riders in events such as the bareback-riding competition looked to stay on the back of their horses for eight seconds, and steer wrestlers brought down fast-running steers -- and themselves -- into the mud to the delight of onlookers.

Also present were rodeo clowns, who were at the ready to distract the bulls if they wanted to attack their rider.

"I'm a second-generation rodeo clown," said "Greek" Ellick of Rogersville, Ala. "What I do is like a big game of rugby with a 2,000-pound animal. It keeps you on your toes."

Presenting the rodeo each year is a yearlong process for the Jaycees, said Zach Fayette, the Jaycees' rodeo advertising and publicity chairman.

"The next rodeo starts after the last one ends," Fayette said. "We start booking the acts and try to accommodate the schedules of the performers. Then, when spring comes, we start getting the grounds ready. It really is a yearlong process."

Fayette said he expects "big crowds" each night of the rodeo.

"Ticket sales have been very good," he said. "We expect Friday and Saturday to probably be our best nights, but even if they are sold out, it doesn't mean people can't get in. We also offer standing-room-only tickets."

The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo will continue through Saturday at the Jaycee rodeo grounds. Performing tonight will be Randy Houser. On Friday, Gary Allan will take the stage. Chris Cagle will close out the performances Saturday.

For more information, visit sikestonrodeo.com.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Brantley Gilbert performs at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Wednesday, August 7, in Sikeston, Mo. The country/rock singer, songwriter has two albums. (Adam Vogler)

Pertinent address: Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds, Sikeston, MO