Sikeston's 50th annual rodeo coming up

Standard Democrat

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The 50th annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo is just over a month away., and organizers are ready.

"We hope that everybody is as excited as we are," said Deke Lape, president of the Sikeston Jaycees. "We think it's going to be a great year."

The rodeo is scheduled for Aug. 7 through 10, although the parade on Aug. 3 is the real kickoff.

Participation in the parade had waned over the last few years, Lape said, but the event was brought back to life last year with a new route, which will be used again this year.

The parade will start at the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce office, wind its way through the Sports Complex and end at the rodeo grounds. There, a variety of attractions will be waiting from novelty stands to Civil War re-enactors "to get everybody charged and started up for the whole week of rodeo," said Randy Tuttle, general chairman for the rodeo. "We also will have a petting zoo, jumping space and pony rides there for the kids."

The rodeo itself starts Wednesday, Aug. 7 with entertainment by Alabama. "This is their farewell tour," Tuttle said. "In 2003, they're going to retire."

Thursday's performer will be Lonestar, which played at the rodeo last year. Gary Allan will perform Friday, and Trace Adkins will play Saturday.

"This is probably our strongest lineup we've had," Tuttle said.

Then, of course, there is the rodeo itself with top PRCA cowboys competing for over $100,000 in prize money in events such as bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, calf roping, bullfighting and bull riding.

For more information, visit the Web Site www.sikeston rodeo.com or call (573) 471-7196 or 1 (800) 455-2855.