Sikeston rodeo brings back bullfighting

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Due to popular demand, the 62nd annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo is bringing back bullfighting at the annual event Aug. 6 through 9.

"We're really excited to bring back bullfighting this year -- that's one thing that people have continued telling us they wanted to see," said Daniel Beck, general chairman for the rodeo.

There hasn't been a bullfight at the local rodeo since 2002. At the time, Wrangler has stopped its professional involvement with bullfighting, which meant the Jaycees had to begin paying for it.

Bullfighting also was no longer sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, meaning no points were awarded for competitions and no championship event for competitors -- making it harder to find bullfighters.

The bullfights are a one-night performance.

"On Wednesday night, there will be nine bull fights after the regular rodeo events, which will be followed by that night's entertainment," Beck said.

It took several phone calls, meetings and trips to Oklahoma to make this happen, said Beck. "But I think it's something our rodeo fans want to see," he said.

But that's not the only difference rodeogoers will notice.

"In addition to all of the rodeo events that our patrons expect each year, we've brought in a new, high energy specialty act, One-Arm Bandit," said Ryan Lindsey, who serves as co-chairman for the rodeo.

"We've seen his act and it's really neat," Beck said. In the act, an individual has mustangs, buffalo or longhorns in the arena, and comes out on a mule with a whip. Over the course of the act, the animals are moved around the arena and loaded on a trailer.

Lindsey noted the Jaycees are working with community groups, including the Sikeston Regional Chamber, to have more involvement in the community over the course of rodeo week.

While the entertainment -- Josh Thompson on Wednesday, Thompson Square on Thursday and Dustin Lynch on Friday (no act has been confirmed for Saturday) -- remains a big draw, Beck said he wants people to focus on the rodeo itself this year.

"Our announcer and sound guys are the same ones that they have for the National Finals Rodeo," said Beck. "And most of the cowboys who compete at the NFR come from the Sikeston Rodeo. In the rodeo world, we are very relevant -- we are mentioned in places like Vegas and Omaha, so it's a big deal."

Lindsey agreed. "Each year, a few representatives from our rodeo attend the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas," he said. "The cowboys, announcers, bullfighters and just rodeo fans in general speak very highly of our rodeo, as our town and our event offer some of the best hospitality available, in addition to having a top-notch arena, committee members, and fans. A lot of the contestants will say it's their favorite place to go each year."

Rodeo sponsors will have added accommodations this year, as the Jaycees are planning additions to the sponsors' barn, said Beck. Those interested in being a sponsor are urged to call the ticket office at 573-471-7196, as soon as possible to ensure availability.

Tickets may bought online at sikestonrodeo.com or at the rodeo ticket office, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are $30 for box seats and $20 for bleacher seats.

Lindsey urged fans to follow on Facebook at facebook.com/sikestonrodeo and @sikestonrodeo on Twitter.