The Rodeo is big part of our town

Once again, Rodeo Week has arrived in Sikeston. The annual event is as much a part of the fabric of our community as anything you can mention. Like it or not, when most people from outside this immediate region think of Sikeston, they mention Lambert's Cafe and the Bootheel Rodeo as our calling cards.

And given the enormous popularity of both, we'll take that notoriety with pride.

The Rodeo represents so much to this community it's hard to know where to start.

Let's start with the enormous financial impact this annual event provides for our community. For starters, literally thousands of visitors attend the Rodeo and bring their much-welcomed dollars to spend in Sikeston.

But the truly important aspect is that those dollars generated are then returned to the community in the form of charitable giving. You'd have to look long and hard to find a charitable cause in Sikeston that has not benefitted from the Rodeo revenues. Our hospital, the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, the YMCA and countless other worthwhile programs have all thrived because of the Rodeo proceeds.

In addition to the financial impact, the Rodeo also gives Sikeston residents the chance to show off our community. With southern hospitality, we have a chance during this week each year to put a smile on the face of Sikeston that will be remembered by those who travel here and stay with us a while. It's impossible to put a price tag on this opportunity but you know it's important.

Never can this community thank the Sikeston Jaycees enough for their hard work and tireless efforts to make this annual event a memorable occasion. For generations now, young Jaycees have devoted countless hours away from their families to give something back to the community they call home.

Unlike other events in other communities, the Rodeo is a true community affair. Everyone in Sikeston can become a cowboy or cowgirl for one special week to show our community pride and spirit. Other events in Missouri may be larger but none can compare when it comes to community involvement.

We thank the Jaycees in advance for their work on behalf of all of us. Summer would never be complete without the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo.