Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo organizers celebrate successful rodeo

SIKESTON — The 66th Annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo may be over but the Sikeston Jaycees are still celebrating the success of the 2018 event.

Thursday was the best performing Thursday night since 2015 and while Friday came within a few tickets of selling out, Saturday night was a sell out.

“This year’s Rodeo season was one of the best in recent memory,” said Ross Merideth, 2018 Rodeo chairman. “We took several risks by investing in bigger artists, the Chute Club and new events and attractions, but the community came together in impressive numbers to support the Rodeo. The Sikeston Jaycees worked extremely hard and with little sleep to make this event take off without a hitch, and I’m extremely proud to have the opportunity to work with this incredible group.”

One of the changes to the Rodeo in 2018 had rodeo season kicking off differently. The addition of Stampede Week had area businesses competing to have the best rodeo-themed storefront, employees in clown costumes and Rodeo parade float. The top three businesses gained recognition at the Rodeo: Treats by ZsaZsa and Daphnes came in first; Old Security Title and Crader Law came in second; and Smith Street Clinic – Missouri Delta Medical Center came in third.

While the community was taking part in rodeo events, the actual rodeo was a success itself. A total of $169,021 was the payoff for contestants who performed well during the PRCA events. Paul David Tierney took home all-around cowboy, earning $5,845 total in tie-down roping and team roping. First in bareback riding was Tim O’Connell, who earned $4,857. Tanner Brunner and Dru Melvin tied for the fastest time in steer wrestling, earning $2,455 each. Paul David Tierney and Tanner Braden won team roping, earning $2,553 each. Cade Swor and Cimarron Boardman also tied, both earning $2,626 each in tie-down roping. In the saddle bronc contest, J.J. Elshere earned $4,399. Kylie Weast took first in barrel racing, earning $3,644. Finally, John Mincey took home $5,795 for his impressive bull riding skills.

In the popular Bullfighters Only Wrangler Bullfights Tour was part of the rodeo Thursday and Friday, with Weston Rutkowski winning both rounds despite injuries. Rutkowski earned $4,200 and is now in second place in the Pendleton Whisky World Standings. He was named world champion freestyle bullfighter in 2013, 2016 and 2017. The Bullfighters Only world champion will be determined in December 2018 in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the 2019 Rodeo season, slated for Aug. 7-10, will be available sometime in March, following entertainer announcements. Fans are encouraged to watch the Rodeo’s Facebook page and website for updates and news.