Jaycees preview upcoming rodeo

Sikeston Jaycee Craig Templeton speaks to the crowd during the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday as Chris Deen, general chairman of this year's rodeo (middle); and Barry Johnson, co-chair for this year's rodeo look on. Also pictured is SACC Executive Director Missy Marshall. Michelle Reynolds, Staff

Chris Deen, general chairman of this year's Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo called attention to that fact on Thursday, when the Jaycees announced the entertainment for this year's event.

"Just look around the cases in this room," he said referring to memorabilia from the past 60 years in the Sponsors Building. "You can see our blood, our sweat, our tears."

Just like other years, this rodeo, set for Aug. 8-11, is the culmination of months of preparation and hours of hard work -- nearly all donated by Jaycee members and other civic groups. The proceeds from the Rodeo and other Jaycee events helps finance all sorts of projects in the community, benefitting Missouri Delta Medical Center, the YMCA, Kenny Rogers Children's Center and others.

While the Jaycees have a lot of spirit and passion for what they do, Deen said that he hopes to see even more of that involvement in the community. So, this year, an award will be given for community participation and spirit on the Saturday of Rodeo.

The Jaycees are also striving for "an even bigger and better parade," said Deen. The parade is on Aug. 11 and begins at the Kindergarten Center and ends downtown.

Entertainment for this year's event was announced by Craig Templeton, chairman of the entertainment committee. Scheduled acts are: The Band Perry, Aug. 8; Jerrod Niemann, Aug. 9; Easton Corbin, Aug. 10; and Justin Moore, Aug. 11.

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