British couple take in rodeo during U.S. visit

SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo typically draws several out-of-town fans, filling hotel rooms and campsites.

This year was no different. And at least two spectators will have traveled overseas for the event, coming to the rodeo while on vacation in the United States from England.

"I've always loved horses and been really fascinated by rodeos -- they're so different from anything we have at home," said Sara Fletcher, who attended Friday night's performance with her husband, Sean.

While growing up, Sara had horses and still attends events in the United Kingdom, such as badminton horse trails.

"So, when we were planning our trip to the U.S., attending a rodeo was at the do of her to-do list," said Sean Fletcher. "So we searched for a rodeo within driving distance of Cincinnati and luckily the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo was on when we were planning on visiting."

The couple has been in the United States visiting friends in Cincinnati and traveling around the Midwest during the week. When they set up a visit with friends they met at the University of Birmingham in England, attending a rodeo was at the top of their list.

"And we were really fortunate to find this one online," said Sean Fletcher. "We never would have (found it) if it weren't online."

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