My husband and I are the proud grandparents of a 4-year-old. She lives in a Missouri metroarea, and like many grandparents, we want her to experience the natural beauty and diversity found throughout Missouri. Each year we plan a special trip showcasing a unique “Missouri” experience. Last year we attended the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo and participated in their Rodeo Week events. We had such a great time we’re attending again this year!
The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, held each August, is the largest rodeo in Missouri and the third largest outdoor rodeo in the nation. My husband and I were a little concerned the rodeo wouldn’t hold Abby’s attention. We were totally mistaken! She sat in awe as top PRCA cowboys competed in bull riding, barrel racing, roping and saddle bronc riding. She loved the Rodeo Clowns, but nothing could compare with the Rodeo Queens. They appear on horseback with cowboy hat tiaras. Our seats were near the front and the Rodeo Queens made a point of stopping and talking with the children. Abby informed us she wanted to be a future Rodeo Queen . . . all she needed was a horse.
Following the last rodeo event of the evening, the Jaycees host a concert by nationally known country-music entertainers. Thinking Abby would be too tired to stay for the Joe Diffie concert we started to leave. That didn’t work! Abby had to stay for the concert. With a glow-stick in hand our 4-year-old danced and sang along with the crowd. She promptly announced she wanted to do this every night!
As grandparents, what we appreciated about the rodeo was the family-friendly atmosphere. In addition to offering both box and bleacher seating, there is designated seating where alcohol is prohibited. The facility was clean, the food was good, prices were reasonable, and everyone was so friendly.
The 2016 Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo promises to be even more exciting with the addition of long-round bullfighting Thursday, Aug. 11, and short-round Friday, Aug. 12. This year’s entertainment line-up is excellent with Chase Rice performing August 10, Granger Smith August 11, Dwight Yoakam August 12 and Frankie Ballard August 13. We can’t decide which night will be the best, so we may just purchase season tickets that include four nights of rodeo activity and each of these performances. (Tickets are available online at SikestonRodeo.com.)
Like last year, we plan to attend Sikeston’s Rodeo Week events. On Rodeo Friday we’ll return for the Jaycees’ Behind-the-Chute Tours. This free event is held at the Rodeo Grounds (1220 N. Ingram Road). Abby enjoyed seeing the livestock, and we got a first-hand look at what goes on in the chutes and pens during the rodeo competition. I understand the Jaycees have expanded this event and will have rodeo professionals participating in the 2016 tours.
Another Rodeo Week event we recommend is Lunch with the Rodeo Clowns & Queens hosted by Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores, 100 Outlet Drive. In addition to a light lunch we met the professional athletes commonly referred to as the “clowns” that protect the rodeo competitors and entertain the crowds. We had the opportunity to get their autographs, as well as those of the Rodeo Queens. While at the luncheon you’ll also enjoy music, face-painting and balloon art.
That afternoon we took some time to explore Sikeston before heading to Lambert’s Cafe, “Home of the throwed roll.” We toured the Sikeston Depot Museum & Gallery in Downtown Sikeston. In addition to their western exhibits, the museum offers historical displays featuring the New Madrid Earthquake (1812), life in the Missouri wetlands, and the importance of cotton to Missouri’s Bootheel. It was especially nice that many of their displays are designed for school-age children.
You’ll find a Visitors Information Center in the Depot lobby. We picked up several brochures on other area events, along with free maps.
We found that Sikeston offers several parks and walking trails. We liked the playgrounds of the Sikeston Recreation Complex on Campanella Drive and followed the lake trail to Veteran’s Memorial Park. All of us enjoyed the military displays that included an M-60 tank, 1955 helicopter and an F-4 Phantom Jet.
Saturday morning the three of us headed to downtown Sikeston. First stop was Parengo Coffee for our morning latte which granddad and I sipped while watching the Rodeo Parade. We then moved to Legion Park for the Cowboy Up! Festival. We spent the day downtown enjoying live music, family-activities, concessions, stage coach rides, roping and branding exhibitions. I made a point of checking out downtown’s antique shops, boutiques and specialty stores.
Before heading back for Saturday’s rodeo performance, we had dinner at Dexter Bar-B-Que. It’s known throughout the region for outstanding BBQ ribs and sandwiches. We weren’t disappointed and will make a point of eating there again.
I understand Malco Theater has opened a new 8-cinema movie theater in Sikeston, and there’s a Colton’s Steak House nearby. I’m pretty sure we’ll be working both into our schedule.
I’m looking forward to repeating this great family get-away. I invite you to join us!
For additional information go online to VisitSikeston.com or call 888-309-6591.
Written by Linda Lowes from the Sikeston Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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