(July 25, 2023) -- Sikeston will soon turn into Rodeo USA for a week.

This year, there are even more events planned to show the community’s pride in the rodeo, which officially kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 5 with several events.

Cowboy Shuffle: This year, the Almost 5K Cowboy Shuffle will be held at 9:55 a.m. on Aug. 5.  A new addition to the rodeo lineup, the inaugural race is dedicated to Galen Harper, a long-time supporter of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo and member of the Scott County Sheriff’s posse. The route will begin at the Kindergarten Center and finish on New Madrid Street in front of the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce. The cost is $15 to enter ($20 day of registration) and each participant will get a cowbell on a lanyard and rally towel with the top 3 winners getting prizes that include rodeo tickets and gift cards. Runners are encouraged to incorporate rodeo accessories in their attire and all ages are welcome to run, walk or do the cowboy shuffle across the finish line.

Rodeo Parade: The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Parade is an annual tradition among local community members. Anyone can register to participate in the parade and registration is FREE. Registrations must be submitted by Aug. 4 and the parade will start at 10 a.m. Aug. 5 at the Sikeston Kindergarten Center. Participants must arrive at the Kindergarten Center at 9 a.m. This year’s theme is Celebrating Rodeo Roots and Boots with cash prizes awarded to first, second and third place floats. This year’s Grand Marshal will be Kenny Anderson, the 2022 Art Saunders winner.

Mutton Bustin’: Last year was the inaugural Mutton Bustin’ event and it returns this year for children between the ages of 4-7 (on Aug. 5) and that weigh less than 70 pounds. The cost is $10 to register and the child will need to be weighed in and registration paid at the ticket office by Aug. 4 to compete on Aug. 5. Registration is limited to the first 60 children and 40 have already registered. The event will be held at the Sikeston Depot following the parade (about noon) with the top six winners advancing to compete for the championship belt buckle on Thursday night of the rodeo.

The rodeo will begin on Aug. 9 and ticket sales are up 13% from last year.

According to the Jaycees, Wednesday is close to being sold out for Riley Green while ticket sales for Thursday night (Travis Denning) are “right on track.” Ticket sales for Friday night (Ja Rule/Yin Yang Twins) are above average and Saturday night (Whiskey Myers) sold out 45 days before the rodeo.

Proceeds made from the rodeo are reinvested back into the community with the Sikeston Jaycees donating well over $1 million to local causes in the last decade.