Preparing for rodeo is year-long process

Zach Fayette, publicity chair for the 60th Annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, directs Jake VanPool in setting up for the barrel racing competition on Thursday at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo. (Photo by Brent Shipman, Staff)

scottw@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- When the dust settles from the 60th Annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, it will be time to begin.

"As soon as this rodeo finishes its run, I'll get to work getting the 61st rodeo up and running," said Barry Johnson, general co-chair for this year's rodeo. "Next year I'll be chairman: it's a two-year process. Come Saturday of rodeo, Deen will give me his keys and phone and I'll be in charge."

As chairman, "you are the boss, the go-to guy if someone has a problem or question in any situations that pop up," said Chris Deen, this year's rodeo chairman for the Sikeston Jaycees. "I took over the reins in the middle of August last year. It's been a year-long process to get everything ready."

The rodeo co-chair doesn't just sit back and learn the job, however.

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