Jaycees, rodeo have a big impact

The Sikeston Jaycees announced another stellar lineup for this summer's annual Bootheel Rodeo and this year promises to follow the path of former performances in bringing fans to our community.

For those of us who have followed the Rodeo for years, it's easy to be complacent and relatively ho-hum about the annual event. The truth is, we simply expect the Jaycees to bring top-notch talent and outstanding cowboys to Sikeston each summer. And as usual, the Jaycees always deliver.

The Rodeo provides great entertainment value in our small community. But the important aspect is the large number of out-of-town visitors who know Sikeston only through the Rodeo.

These visitors bring two things to Sikeston. First and probably foremost, they bring dollars into our community that the Jaycees in turn, donate to dozens and dozens of local charities. But these visitors also bring fresh eyes to our town. Hopefully they are impressed during their brief visit and they spread a positive message about Sikeston.

This community has always admired and respected the efforts of the Jaycees. But I suspect the group will never get the full credit they deserve for the vast improvements their donations have made to Sikeston. And that's a shame.

As a former Jaycee, I know firsthand what their efforts provide. But more importantly, as a longtime observer of this group, I know full well their impact on the lives in our community. And their impact is massive.

We are blessed with much in Sikeston. And high on that list is an organization that works tirelessly - and virtually year-round - to provide a summer Rodeo that has national appeal.

Get your tickets early.