Conference will help tell our story

The Sikeston and Miner Convention and Visitors Bureau benefited from the Heartland Writers Conference this past weekend, almost, as much as the writers did.

Although we did not attend the conference as a writer, we were out at the Conference to take the group goodie bags and assist the schedulers of the conference. Our intent was to meet and make contacts with writers who would be interested in writing articles on our area that we can use for advertisements in magazines, newspapers, etc.

We were able to make contacts with a couple writers, and as an added bonus, we spoke with Danita Allen Wood, "Missouri Life" magazine's editor and owner. After visiting with Ms. Woods about our rodeo and how we kidnap a family from the interstate, she would like to know the processes we go through to kidnap them and what all we do with them when they get here. She stated that it would make a great story and asked if we would get something written up for the magazine.

We extended an invitation to a couple of the writers to join us at our 54th annual Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo and they accepted the offer. We will meet with them prior to the rodeo on Thursday evening, escort them to dinner at the cattle barons barn, and then to their box seats for the rodeo. They will return on Saturday for the kidnapping and to meet the family. Also they will have the opportunity to interview the family and join us with the downtown celebrations.

We are getting geared up for the rodeo and will be collecting goodies from our local merchants for the "Kidnapped Family's Goodie Basket." If you are interested in placing something in the basket, along with your business card or advertising, just give us a call at 471-6362 and we will be happy to stop by your business to pick up your contributions.