Sikeston rodeo festivities begin Saturday

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The 61st annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo doesn't officially begin until Wednesday, but several events are scheduled before opening night and throughout the rodeo's duration.

The 5k Cowboy Color Chase run/walk will kick off rodeo-themed festivities at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Sikeston Depot.

Susan Glasgow Lawrence, executive director of the Sikeston Regional Chamber of Commerce, said more than 200 runners and walkers have signed up for this weekend's run.

"We've always done the Rodeo Run as a kick off to rodeo week and put a different spin on it this year," Lawrence said. "We encourage everyone to have fun."

The Color Chase is a 5k walk or run in which participants are "splashed" every kilometer with color in the form of a powder consisting of cornstarch and food coloring. Participants also will be splashed at the end of the run, and by the time the run is completed, they'll be covered with seven hues.

"We want people to have a good time with it, and we encourage everyone to wear white and/or tutus or wigs. Just play with it," Lawrence said.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. A 1-mile fun run begins at 8 a.m. with the 5k to follow.

On Monday and Tuesday, rodeo enthusiasts can watch Slack for free beginning at 6 p.m. at the rodeo grounds.

Also on Tuesday, the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo annual golf tournament begins at 8 a.m. at the Fox Haven Country Club.

The Rodeo begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Aug. 10 with performances by Brantley Gilbert, Randy Houser, Gary Allan and Chris Cagle, respectively.

"Nothing is sold out, but we are definitely anticipating Wednesday and Friday nights to sell out," said Rodeo Entertainment Chair Craig Templeton. " ... And once those nights are sold out, they're out."

Tickets may be purchased online the day of the rodeo, Templeton said, adding they can be printed or smartphones can be scanned upon entrance. Will-call also is an option for purchasing tickets.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores, "Lunch with the Sikeston Rodeo Clowns" will be offered in space No. 17.

"I would encourage everyone to come out. It's a great opportunity to meet the clowns," said Kyla Evans, marketing director for the outlet stores. "Plus, it's in the air conditioning."

Evans said attendees do not have to purchase tickets to meet the clowns, but they must purchase a ticket if they plan to eat lunch. She noted limited tickets are available.

"We have a lot of great things packed into an hour of lunch," Evans said.

There will be face painting by artist Aaron Horrell of Chaffee and an auction of rodeo-themed merchandise as well as door prizes, Evans said. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.

The Rodeo Parade begins at 10 a.m. Aug. 10 on West Salcedo Road traveling west on Salcedo Road to North Kingshighway then south to downtown Sikeston ending on Front Street.

The Cowboy Up! Arts Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 and will feature live music, arts, crafts, concessions, pony rides, a petting zoo and special exhibits. Lunch with Rodeo Clowns is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon.

The ninth Bootheel Quilters Guild biannual Quilt Show will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 and 11 at the Clinton Building in the Sikeston Sports Complex.

"We usually have right around 100 quilts on display," said Shirley James, Quilt Show chairwoman. "We have large quilts, medium quilts and wall hangings/baby quilts, which are made by our 40 members."

Each year, nearly 500 people view both the handmade and machine-quilted quilts, James said. The public will judge which quilt is deserving of best of show.

"We have also lots and lots of wonderful crafts for sale," James said. "Everybody can find something they enjoy from the crafts department."

Bed-turning of the quilts will be at 11 a.m. both days of the show.

"Our bed-turning is one of most popular draws," James said. "We have 20 quilts that are antique, and there's a story about each one. We have two ladies holding up one quilt at a time and a narrator."

There is a $2 donation for admission, and all proceeds from the show are given to local charities, James said.

Through Aug. 31, visitors to Historic Downtown Sikeston can take the Rodeo Walk and view Rodeo pictures along with some of the rodeo history at the Sikeston Depot Museum and in storefront windows.

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, Mo.