Sikeston arts festival ties in with annual Jaycee rodeo

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo has become a time honored tradition in its 53 years in Sikeston, drawing in thousands of rodeo fans from around the country.

Now the Sikeston Depot Museum is trying to craft a new tradition out of rodeo week that complements the Western fever gripping the town. This week the depot is holding its first Cowboy Up! Arts Festival, featuring Western-oriented arts and crafts for a down-home arts experience.

The festival brought in about 100 people on Thursday before the rodeo with its ropemaking and flintknapping demonstrations, pony rides and art influenced by American Indian and cowboy culture.

Like the rodeo itself, the addresses on the guest register came from across the United States. Visitors came from Vermont, Kansas, Maryland, Texas, Florida, Mississippi and other states.

Museum administrator Delilah Tayloe said those visitors are the main reason for the show.

"I wanted to do this to give our own area artists a venue in Sikeston at a time when there are so many visitors here from all over the country, and even the world," said Tayloe.

About 20 artists, craftspeople and vendors will be exhibiting at the festival, which runs through Sunday. Outside demonstrations are given on ropemaking, making arrowheads and jewelry making, while inside several artists are exhibiting works in the air conditioned comfort.

Colorful gourd bowls and vases, humorous carvings of cowboy characters and detailed oil portraits of American Indians are among the pieces found inside the depot.

Tayloe said she spent many hours booking talent and placing signs and posters around town, but she thinks the fledgling arts festival will be a success.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights will feature musical acts like Bruce Zimmerman and the Water Street Band, Fusion Blue and Handpicked Bluegrass.

Financial assistance was provided by the Missouri Arts Council.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182

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Want to go?

* What: Cowboy Up! Arts Festival

* When: Today (Aug. 12) through Sunday (Aug. 14) starting at 10 a.m.

* Where: Sikeston Depot Museum and Legion Park, 116 W. Malone Ave.

* Info: (573) 481-9967