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Rodeo Is A Big Plus For Sikeston Economy

Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo

The 61st Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo begins Wednesday, Aug. 7 and ends Sat., August 10. The tourism and investment that this event brings to Sikeston is important and very beneficial to the town.

The rodeo brings as much as $8 million to Sikeston. During the rodeo, tourists and Southeast Missourians eat at Sikeston’s restaurants, sleep in Sikeston’s hotels, shop in its stores, and spend time at the fairgrounds. 

Susan Glasgow Lawrence, Executive Director of the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce, said the sheer number of people who come to the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo is impressive.

“Rough estimates are that we have about 40 to 50 thousand people come through the week-long period. It’s difficult to say how many,” Lawrence said.

It’s difficult to say how many because the attendees aren’t just people who buy tickets; they’re volunteers, cowboys and cowgirls, employees and participants.

A major draw for the rodeo is the nightly concerts. The musical guests that the Jaycees bring in are the singers and creators of chart-topping hits, and country music fans come from all around to listen.

Rodeo events will start at 7 pm each day, and the concerts for each night will begin around 9:30 pm. 

Musical guests include Brantley Gilbert, Randy Houser, Gary Allan, and Chris Cagle. 

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