Beggs Family Farm awarded Sikeston Tourism & Hospitality Award of Excellence

Beggs Family Farm awarded Sikeston Tourism & Hospitality Award of Excellence

On Thursday, the Sikeston Convention and Visitors Bureau recognized Beggs Family Farm for their contribution to tourism at the 4th Annual Tourism & Hospitality Luncheon held at Lamberts Café.

Donnie Beggs was quick to thank his present and past employees, patrons, and his family after being awarded the Sikeston Tourism & Hospitality Award of Excellence.

“It is truly an honor that we will remember for a long, long time,” he said.

What began as a watermelon farm in 1895 by William Arthur Beggs has grown into a “must visit” fall destination in Scott County with visitors coming from Missouri and all surrounding states. Watermelons are still harvested, but other crops, and attractions have been added over the years.

In 2000, Donnie and Sheila Beggs opened Beggs Family Farm to the public and started with small school groups.

Donnie said his wife started it to have a little extra income.

“This has been her baby,” Donnie said. “She has grown it and she works countless hours every year to make sure everything is taken care of.”

It started as a little red barn, a few animals, a small pumpkin patch, and high hopes. In the first year 3,500 school children visited the farm and now the operation has grown to over 50 attractions, and now attracts approximately 30,000 visitors per year.

New attractions have been added each year including a corn maze, hayrides, a haunted barn, camel rides, tractor slides and much more. It takes a full day visit to take in all the attractions and activities.

Donnie and Sheila’s three children, Taylor, Shelby, and Bryce are all active in the family business, making them the fifth generation of the Beggs’ family to work on the same farm.

The Beggs family is active in the community and lend their support to local charities; they host Kenny Rogers Children’s Center Day at the farm, among other causes.

Beggs Family Farm is a true agri-tourism asset for Sikeston and Scott County.

During the ceremony, Donnie made several announcements, including the expanding of the grounds to have more attractions.

He also said they are planning a new festival at the end of spring, entitled the “Spring into Summer Festival.” The festival will be focused on flowers for picking and photo opportunities, animals and adult-only entertainment on Saturday night.

Donnie also revealed they are working with Southeast Missouri State University, who is celebrating their 150th anniversary, for their fall festival maze theme. The maze will come out in September.

The Beggs family also received the Lamberts Family Hospitality Traveling Trophy from last year’s winner, the Sikeston Jaycees. Previous award winners also include Sikeston Parks and Recreation and Lamberts.

The guest speaker for the event was Steven Foutes, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. Foutes spoke of the importance of tourism to the community and the state and how the Missouri Division of Tourism works to attract tourism. (March 2, 2023)

Beggs award