SIKESTON RODEO GEARS UP FOR BIG YEAR; 39TH ANNUAL EVENT SET FOR AUG. 7-10

Organizers of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo say they're gearing up for the biggest year ever for the rodeo.

"We're putting the finishing touches on everything now, and ticket sales are ahead of where they were last year at this time," said Tim Merideth, entertainment chairman of the rodeo. "I think it's going to be a really big year," he said.

The annual event will be held Aug. 7-10. It regularly draws in excess of 35,000 people from five states.

"We generate millions of dollars for Southeast Missouri," said Lew Polivick, general chairman of the rodeo. "Each year the rodeo brings about 30,000 to 40,000 people to the area."

Headlining entertainment for the rodeo are Restless Heart, Doug Stone, Travis Tritt and the Charlie Daniels Band.

Polivick said he expects that at least the Friday and Saturday night shows will sell out.

The rodeo is expected to draw more than 300 professional cowboys to Sikeston, including some professional rodeo clowns, Merideth said. It is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

The headline entertainment is a big draw, Merideth said, and this year the entertainment committee selected the best variety of entertainers that have ever appeared, he said.

"Travis Tritt and Doug Stone, both of their tickets sales have been great," he said. "And Restless Heart has done real well for us."

Merideth said the Charlie Daniels Band is making its fourth appearance at the Sikeston rodeo.

"They've changed their act in recent years and are more family oriented," he said. "And they have a following here. It's a somewhat different crowd from those who see Tritt and Doug Stone, but it's a big one."

Tritt and Stone were relative newcomers to the country music scene when they were first booked by the rodeo committee, Merideth said. Since, the two have hit the country charts numerous times.

Tritt's single, "Here's A Quarter" is currently No. 10 on the country chart.

"Last year we had Garth Brooks, and look where he is today. He's become really famous."

Tritt will perform Aug. 7, Restless Heart performs Aug. 8, Charlie Daniels Band Aug. 9, and Stone on Aug. 10.

The shows begin at about 9 each night, said a spokesman at the rodeo ticket office. The rodeo opens at about 6:30 and starts about 7 each night.

Merideth said the rodeo, which has been held for 39 years, is one of the 40 biggest in the country. "And it's really something you can take the kids to," he said.

New concession stands have been added, he said, and better food will be available.

"We also replaced the bleachers and have brand-new bucking shoots," he said. "It's really a sight to see."

Tickets for all shows are $7, $8 and $9 for bleacher seats. Box seats are $12. The shows and rodeo are included in one ticket.

Tickets went on sale last week at the rodeo ticket office or North Ingram Road, Sikeston. Tickets are available by phone at 471-7196. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday.

For tickets by mail, write to the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, P.O. Box 5, Sikeston, Mo. 63801.