Sikeston's big rodeo a big effort, and worth every penny

SIKESTON, Mo. — If it disrupts traffic for a few days, so be it. The benefits of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo far outweigh any disadvantages, community organization leaders say.

The 56th annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo is set for Aug. 6 through 9, and each year the event attracts more than 40,000 people to Sikeston. Online ticket sales indicate visitors come from surrounding states and others including New Jersey, Utah, Idaho and Alaska, said 2008 rodeo chairman Ron Payne.

"For a community our size to put on an event of this magnitude is pretty unique. We go to conventions and such, and all of the other rodeos of our stature come from much bigger cities. ... Those people are always floored we're able to do it," said Payne, a 15-year Jaycee member.

The club is made up of about 120 members plus Exhausted Roosters (retired members), Payne said.

"It takes each and every one of them — plus volunteers — to put the rodeo on each year. The [YMCA] swim team works one of the concession stands. The Boy Scouts help, and 4-H members help in the Sponsors Building," Payne said. "It's really a community effort."

And all of the proceeds from the rodeo are given back to the community. Over the years, the Jaycees have donated more than $3 million back to the community, Payne estimated.

"The rodeo benefits not just the people who receive the donations, but all the businesses in the area, too," Payne said.

According to a study conducted about five years ago by Sikeston-Miner Convention and Visitors Bureau, the rodeo's direct economic effect on the region, which includes Sikeston, Cape Girardeau and surrounding communities, was more than $8.5 million per year.

"That's due to the foot traffic in retail establishments, restaurants and hotels," Payne said.

The Jaycees' service to the community is twofold, Payne said.

"It's to take the proceeds of the rodeo and turn around and give them back to the community. The other primary function is we're putting on such a labor-intensive event that we take our young men — our members — and mold them into community leaders," Payne said.

Slack will be Aug. 4 and 5 with tickets for $5 at the gate. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 800-455-2855 or visit www.sikestonrodeo.com.